VETERANS' ASSOCIATION.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIV, Issue 53, 26 October 1912, Page 5

VETERANS' ASSOCIATION.

THE ANNUAL MEETING. (Per Press Association.) Wellington, October 25. The annual conference of delegates to the Royal New Zealand Association of His Majesty’s Veterans was held in Wellington to-day. The following delegates were present: Major Lomax ( Wanganui), in the c'hair, Captain R. C. Hamerton, Captain N. Trcgear (Taranaki), Messrs. J. W. Revill, R. Tingey, and, W. Christie (Wellington). J. Capper and H. Walton (Mastcrton)., H. Arden (Ha.vcni and County), D. McKellar (Gis ,orne), and F. Stidolph (Manawatu). Lord Islington forwarded an apology for absence. It was decided to send a letter to the president (Lord Islington), congratulating him on his promotion to ’lndia, and at the same time regretting bis departure from the Dominion. It was decided to request King George, patron of the Association, to permit all members who had fqdght in engagements dating hack thirty-five years, to wear the Victoria Cross on the loft breast. ( i# , Veterans' Pcnsitsi Bill.

The Veterans’ Pension Bill, now before Parliament, was discussed .u length, Major Lomax' said that it was practically a copy of the Old-age Pensions Bill. c • ;r " :

Captain Tregcar said that the amount of a man’s income should not affect his military pension. Mr. Tingey remarked that the present Government had done more for the veterans than any previous. Goveni--1)101 The following motion, moved by Captain Trcgear, and seconded by Mr. Tingey, was carried unanimously: “That tlie Prime Minister be informed that it is the unanimous opinion r.f the delegates cf all affiliated branches of the Association in New Zealand tea; the present Military Pensions Bill dt.es not meet with the wishes of the majority of veterans, as a general pension, irrespective of income and pro party Qualifications, is the only recognition of past services acceptable in the veterans who fought for their conn try half a century ago.” The following officers were elected; Vice-president of the Central Commit tee, Major Lomax (Wanganui) ; secretary and treasurer, Mr. F. Stidolph (Manawatu) ; auditor, Captain Ha umorton (Taranaki); trustees, Mr.. R. Tingey (Wellington),-and Mr. H. V. niton (blaster ton)..