A VETERANS' HOME. Why Not a Veterans' Settlement?

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 101, 7 June 1902, Page 8

A VETERANS' HOME. Why Not a Veterans' Settlement?

HIS Excellency Lord Ranfurly is the consistent champion of all the veteran ex-sailors and exsoldiers living in New Zealand. Soon after his arrival he manifested a keen interest in their welfare, and since he became President of His Majesty's Imperial Veterans' Association he has used the large influence he is capable of -wielding, by reason ot his Vice-regal office, to secure lor them the recognition that their services to the Empire entitle them to. His Excellency, before the interest ot the people in matters military has quite died out, is using the pre-eni occasion to put to -ward a further suggestion whereby the latter days ot the Empire's veterans may be made easier. It will alho sene as a memorial to those young soldiers who, like their parents, gladly \olunteered for hard service, and fell by the way, in defence of the Mother Country. * » • Lord Ranfurly is appealing to the people of New Zealand to establish m honoL- of those fallen sons of the Empire a home for \eterans. To make the lot of the gallant old defenders a happy one is an excellent idea, but we doubt \evy much if a sort of colonial Chelsea will be acceptable to either tbe \eterans themselves or the people i>enerally. The thing suggests pauperism, and it would debar many poor but proud ex-sailors and soldiers from accepting what would appear to be a charitable dole. * • » This country, however, might worthily reward the services of the \ eterans by placing them on holdings of sufficient size to enable them, providing they were physically fit, to earn their own living. A settlement for veterans would meet the case admirably, and would be a lasting memorial to the colonists who have poured out their life's blood in Africa. Special provision might be made for those who, from wounds or physical decay, were unable to shift for themselves. * • • Routine and anything in the nature of barracks ought to be avoided as tending to emphasise the dependence of the veterans on charity. And the scheme would be reproductive, as the occupants of holdings would contribute towards the general wealth by their industry. Before the advent of Lord Ranfurly a veteran, although not despised, had no recognised place. The Governor has defined his portion by making him a friend. * » • He has entertained the veterans as he would the most distinguished guests. He was instrumental in obtaining war medals and ribbons for forgotten veterans, and be has made the old lions of the Empire proud — not sorry —to be pointed out as the forerunners ot those young soldiers who ha\e, with the help ot intelligence and pluck, made the world ring with their deeds. Not the least important point in the development of any scheme for the furtherance of His Excellency's suggestion is that

he will endeavour to obtain funds towards it from the Old Country. '

Anyone who has observed with what cordial feeling Britishers at Home regard their colonial brothers must see that with so influential an appellant to their pockets as the Governor the appeal would have the happiest effect. No titter means of commemorating the sacrifices of New Zealand's sons could be found than, in brightening the declining years of the worthy Old Brigade. In the Governor's suggestion lies the germ of a workable idea capable of bearing excellent fruit. It is to be hoped it may not perish for want of nutrition.

The annual ball of the Wellington Guards takes place on the 9th July. Persons desirous of attending this enjoyable fixture are requested to< send m their names to the secretary at once. Elsewhere will be found a block shownig a lady's waterproof garment, the advertisement of Hallenstein Bros., the New Zealand Clothing Factory, 67, Lambton Quay. The company claims to give a superior article at a low pnce, and made strictly to measure. Socialist Tom Mann has broken out into a pamphlet, which he sells for a penny, and calls "What is Socialism? Does New Zealand stand in need of it ?" Tom deals very trenchantly with the subject. He skims sanitary matters, and tilts at the Waihi Company, has some very stiaight for ward things to say about wharf labour, and doesn't forget to give his views about the question of State ownership of land, mines 1 , and machinery- Altogether, Tom Maain avoids violence, and deals very calmly and concisely with his subject. Mr. James Izett has published a little brochure containing a variety of patriotic songs. It is entitled, "The Blood that Makes for Empire," and contains tn ent\ -eight pages. He sings of the triumphs of the flag from the earliest times, and accompanies it through storm and stress nght up to the date of publication. In these days of ardent patriotism the little volume ought to find lead}' sale. Another change of manager over at the Times," office. JMr. Chas. Hiorns is departing, and 'tis said lie receives the substantial sum of £'800 as retiring allowance. His successor has not yet hung up his hat behind the managers door, and his face may probably be. familiar when lie does appear. Mr. Hiorns' reign has not been protracted. He was manager of the Christchurch Pre&s" when he accepted an appointment from the "Times" in February of last year. In fact, Mr. Hiorns grew up from youth in the service of the Chnstchurch "Pi ess," passing through the accountants' department up to the general manager's chair. The "Times" seems to act on the motto that ''variety is charming," and its list of managers is constantly lengthening. If merit goes for anything, the Drillslied ought to be crammed to the doors on Wednesday evening next. The occasion is the. annual social in aid of the Sisters of the Pooi and St. Joseph's Home for Incurables. This Home was founded bv that energetic w orker in the sacred cause of charity. Mother Aubert, and there is no institution that appeals with stronger claims to the generous support of the public. All creeds are freely admitted, and of the twenty-six inmates now m it, thirteen are Roman Catholics, seven Anglicans, three Presbyteuans, one Wesley an, one Salvationist, and one Baptist. Patrons of the social will receive ample value for their money. There is to be a grand concert bv first-class amateurs, and a dance follows. And the two shilling tickets include refreshments!