THE VETERANS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 136, 26 October 1912, Page 5

THE VETERANS.

ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION. Bj Telegraph—Prees AaMti&ti«i. Wellington, Last Night. 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 chair, Captain E. G. Hamcrton, Captain N. Tregear (Taranaki). Messrs. J. W. Revill, R. Tingey and W. Christie (Wellington), J. Capper and H. Walton (Masterton). H. Arden (Hawera and County), D. McKellar (Gisborne), and P. Stidolplt (Manawatu).

Lord Islington forwarded an apology, for absence.

It was derided to request King George, patron of the Association, to permit all members who had fought in engagements dating back thirty-five years, to wear the Victorian Cross on the left breast. The Veterans' Pensions Bill, now before Parliament, was discussed at length. Major Lomax said that it was practically a copy of the Old Age Pensions Bill.

Captain Tregear 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 Government. The following motion, moved by Captain Tregear and seconded by Mr. Tingey, was carried unanimously: "That the Prime Minister be informed that it is the unanimous opinion of the delegates of all affiliated branches of the Association in New Zealand that the present Military Pensions Bill does not meet with the wishes of tho majority of veterans, as a general pension, irrespective of income and property qualifications, is the only recognition of past services acceptable by the veterans who fought for their country half a century ago." The following officers were elected: Vice-president of fie Central Committee, Major Lomax (Wanganui); secretary and treasurer. Mr. F. Stidofph (Manawatu); auditor, Captain Hammerton (Taranaki); trustees, Mr. R. Tingey (Wellington), and Mr. H. Walton (Masterton). It was decided to send a letter to the president (Lord Islington) _ congratulating him on his promotion in India, and at the same time regretting his departure from the Dominion.