WELFARE OF VETERANS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19800, 22 November 1927, Page 12

WELFARE OF VETERANS.

THE EARL OF RANFURLY. PAST EVENTS RECALLED. That the Ear) of Ra.nfnrlv, one of the popular of New Zealand's Governors, still retains pleasant recollections of this country is indicated in a letter received from him by Captain J. Stichbury, honorary secretary of the lying's Empire Veterans. Lord Ranfurly, whose letter was written-at the Carlton Club, London, on September 30, gives renewed evidence of his keen interest in the welfare of the old veterans. He writes:— "Dear Captain Stichbury,—Your letter of June 4 I fear has been long unanswered. but I have been abroad. It is most pleasant to hear that "though over 23 years have gone, bv, one is not frogotten. I remember well the first time I tried to get our old soldiers and sailors together at Government House at Wellington—it was 1898 f think—and the joy of many of them at .meeting again old comrades: One incident I remember. One who had been rejoicing too much on arrival that morning, and had lost the use of his legs, . but not his brains, When being taken to the police station, shouted to a comrade. 'You are dining with the Governor, but I arn going to dirie with the Government.' His fine was paid for him next morning. However, this was an exception in these .annual gatherings. ."With the late war there should be every inducement to keep up, or institute, societies, for tlio assistance of the old soldiers and sailors who, when able, have tried to get their own livelihood. When 'old age or- infirmity prevents-their-getting a livelihood some association should look after them. Almost all those I. knew have now gone. I am indeed glad to. hear you have recovered from your ill-, ness. should like to express my sincere thanks to you for all your many years' ■work for tho veterans. At the start, you and Captain Archer were the two who encouraged me .most, for without adequate support- the Veterans' - Association could not have reached its present success. . I .have always hoped to -revisit New- Zeailand, but fear now that stick may never be the case."