IMPERIAL VETERANS.

Otago Witness, Issue 2785, 31 July 1907, Page 58

IMPERIAL VETERANS.

The annual meeting of the Imperial Veterans' Alliance was ' held at the Garrison Hall on Saturday, July 20., Commander Easther, R.N., presided, and there were also present: .Captain Davies, ■ lete 16th Foot and R.N. (Crimea, Maori, and Amerioan civil wars); Captain O'Callaghan, late N.Z.M. and R.N. (Baltic, Maori, and China wars); P.O, G. Watkine, late R.N. (Burmah and Crimea); A. M'lntosh, Na,vy; Thoe. Wood, late Indian Marine (first China war); Sergeant Matheson, Jate N.Z. forces (Maori war); M. Pearce, late 2nd Waikato Mibtaa (Maori war); W. H. Harris, late R.N.; G. Prescott, late R.N. (Crimea) ; Corporal Rivers, late C SIC. (Maori war); T. Tait, late Waikato Militia (Maori war); Jas. Storey, late R.H.A. (Crimea); J. Conn, late 18th Royal Imh (Maori war|; W. Irwin, late 31sfc Foot (Crimea). The annual report stated that the number on the roll now is 16, and the number having jjaid all dues to date is 13. Eleven general meetings have been held during the year, with an average attendance of two and twothirds officers and five veterans. Q,ne general meeting lapsed on acount of tempestuous weather. No meetings of the board have been held excepting on the nights of the annual niectinge. The post year has been the most uneventful of any since the formation of the alliance in May, 1900. No parades or functions in which we could have taken -part have been held. is partly owing to this that, though the reoeipte have been small, the expenditure has been smaller still, and no call has been made on the funds except for rent. We have again to regret that the longcontinued semi-invalid state of our president, Colonel Morris (who ie forbidden by his medioal attendant to be out of doors after nightfall), has deprived ua of the pleasure and advantage of hie presence at our meetings. The monthly meetings have been most enjoyable, and it is to be regretted that • larger number of veterans do not avail themselves of the pleasant opportunities thus afforded of renewing old associations. The board desires to congratulate members on the fact that the alliance has completed seven years *of existence under oircumstancee which, considering the small number of veterans residing in the immediate vicinity, may be deemed fairly satisfactory. The report was adopted. The following were elected: — President, Colonel Morris; vice-presidente, Commander Easther, R.N., Captain O'Callaghan; hon. sec., Captain Davies. A communication inviting subscriptions to a soldiers' memorial in Taranaki was laid before the meeting by Captain O'Callaffh&n.