BOER WAR VETERANS

Hawke's Bay Herald-Tribune, Issue 86, 28 April 1937, Page 13

BOER WAR VETERANS

Presentation Made to Mr. Baird MEETING OF ASSOC1ATI0N An informal gathering of the Hastings branch of the South African War Veterans' Association took pla'ce in the Chamber of 'Commerce rooms. There w6re present: Messrs. H. W. Baird (ehairman), C. Duff, W. M. Miller, L. j. Hammond, W. Porter, A. O. Wellwodd, E. Marton, H. O. Tully, F. Lourie, J. F. Foddy, H. Smale, G. A. Nesp, E. S. Stringer, Brown, B. Gatherall, Cuauingham, T. BaS, E. Gorfifera, Cendou, U. E. Cormop, J. Hackett, C&vanagh, DorWard, F. iSchiiifieek and McdulloCh. It was decided to make a small mofie- j tary grant to oue of the members ia rather indigenous circuinfitances afid ill-fiealth, and to ask the Dominion executive what Kelp cbuld be rendeted to him. Happily the date of the meeting eoineided with the birthday of the association 's president, Mr. H. W. C. Baird, and advantage was taken of the oecasion to make him a small presentation. Mr. Miller expressed the association 's keen appreeiation Of the valuable serviees given by Mr. Baird during his presidency and the hope that he would live to enjoy many more happy birthdays in company with Mrs. Baird, to whom the assoeiation is also indebted for pas£ kindnesses. He then handed Mr. Baird a silver wristlet watch, with the remarks that it was hoped the gift would not be judged by its intrinsic value, but xathor by the spirit of good comradeship and gratitude whieh prompted itB bestowal. ThSse r«marks were supported by

Messrs. Hammond, Connop ond others and Mr. Baird 's health was drunk with enthusiasm. Mr. Baird suitably replied, The remainder of the evening" was given over to the interchange of experiences mutually shared, often retold, but which come up evergreen again and again. It was a great pleasure to note the increase in membership. Although by the course of nature the number of living veterans must f grow less the membership of the association seems to Increase as time passes. Particularly, I It is gratifying to note the coming in to the fold of members from Waipawa; Waipukurau and Napier distriets. ■