SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22270, 24 May 1934, Page 3

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS

ANNUAL REPORT.. The annual report of the Dunedin branch of the South African War Veterans' Association, to be presented ot the meeting to-night, states that there was a slight fall in financial membership for the period under review, the number being 102 as against 106 for 1932-33. Many, the executive knew, under existing conditions were uuabfe to pay the subscription, but they hopefully look forward to them joining again when things are brighter. There are still very many contingenters who, for some reason or other, do not appear to take the necessary interest to assist the committee. So far the executive has not turned away any deserving case, member or non-mem-ber, and they again request and look for assistance from those not already members who fought in South Africa. The annual conference of associations was held in Wellington, and the president (Mr Ben Ellis) ably represented the Dunedin branch, and in addition he again attended several meetings of the Returned Soldiers' Association throughout the country to interview South Africans, and it was astonishing the number he came in contact with. The year commenced with a credit balance of £5 3s 4d, The receipts were £37 4s, and the expenditure £39 6s, leaving a credit of £3 Is 4d in the general account The credit balance at April 30, 1933, was £55 9s 10(1. As agreed, the balance of the Government grant of £39 10s Gd was handed over to the South African War Veterans' Relief Committee of Otago, leaving a balance, in the account of the branch of £lB J-s Bd. The executive was pleased to report that, even under the prevailing conditions, the demands for assistance had not been as great as anticipated, which the committee considered clearly proved the resourcefulness and independence of the type of men volunteered and fought in South Africa. The executive regretted to advise that the following members died during the year:—B. Tall and J. Reilly, each of the Sth Contingent. W. Matbewson also passed away at his residence, Kokonga.