Veterans' Association.

A meeting was held at the Empire Hotel last night in connection with the formation of a local branch of His Majesty's Veterans' Association. About twenty veterans were present. Captain J. C. R. Isherwood occupied the chair. In opening the ineeting the chairman said that through a misunderstanding no record had been taken of the previous meeting. In view of the large attendance at the present meeting he suggested that proceedings should be commenced de novo, and the question of the desirability of forming a branch again considered. On Captain J. E. Hall's motion, this was agreed to.' On Captain Hall's motion, seconded by Mr Hannay, Captain Preece was appointed secretary pro tern. Apologies for absence were received from Lieut. Bell, of Napier, and Mr G. Farmer. Captain G: A. Preece read the rules governing the New Zealand Veterans' Association. These rules mention as the aims of the body the encouragement of twe patriotism, the bringing together of those who had fought for their country, the keeping fresh the memory of deeds done for the Empire in either hemisphere, the helping of members in distress and the examination into and prosecution of claims for pensions, medals and land grants. The subscription was 6s per 'year, payable in quarterly instalments. On Captain Preece's motion, seconded by Captain Hall, it was decided to form a branch of the New Zealand Association of His Majesty's Veterans in this district, under the rules drawn up by the Wellington General Committee. It having been pointed out that under the rules adopted officers could only be elected in August of each year, it was decided that in the meantime provisional officebearers be appointed. The following officers were therefore appointed provisionally :^- Vice-President, Captain J. D. R. He'witt ; delegates to Wellington General Committee, Captains H. S. Fitzherbert and G. A. Preece ; treasurer, Mr R. N. Keeling ; auditor, Mr G. J. Scott ; committee, Captain Hall, Captain Isher.wood, and Messrs R. Archer, J. O. Batchelar, P. Gray, W. Parkes and Hanley.

Alterations of the rules were left to the committee to deal with. • The following members were elected :—Captain J. C. R. Isherwood 69th and 45th Regiments and Colonial forces). Captain IT. S. Fitzherbert, V.D. (Wellington N avals), Captain J. E. Hall (Volunteers), Captain J. D. R-. Hewitt (R.N.), Major F. E. Campbell (58th Regiment), T. Hanley (14th and 86th), G. Palmer (12th Lancers), J. Goodger (65th), J. Carty (20th), A. Labcar ((44th), 3?. Kiley (ISth), W. Graham (79t{i), R. Archer (60th Rifles), R. Dewe'(23rd Welsh Fusiliers), I-I. Kurtz, P. Gray (Prince of Wales' Own and 18tti Royal Irish), G. Farmer (Hutt Volunteers, 1845), G. "Warrftn (70th), TT. Laowj.

(R.N.), W. Parkes (Volunteers), W Booth, T. Lloyd (Wellington Rangers and Hawera Light Horse) T Ellis (65th), R. N. Keeling (Taranaki Military Settlers), Captain G-. IA: Preece (N.Z.C. and Militia) P. Kavanagh (57th), J. Phillips (Wellington Rangers). On Captain Hall's motion, seconded by Mr Ilanley, it was decided that the Association meet on. the first Wednesday in July, 1903. On Mr Archer's motion, seconded by Mr Parkes, it was decided that the committee meet monthly on the second Wednesday in each month, at 7.30 p.m. In answer to Mr P. Gray, the chairman said each branch had control over its own funds, excepting 25 per cent, which was remitted to the general fund. Captain Fitzherbert referred to the objects of the Association which he pointed out were comprehensive enough to keep the committee fully employed. He suggested the promotion of a social gathering as a means of carrying out the aims of the Society and keeping the members in touch with each other. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Devine, for the use of his room, members greatly appreciating that gentleman's kindness.A similar compliment passed- to the chairman terminated the meeting.