SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3662, 20 May 1924, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION.

ANNUAL MEETING. The annual meeting of the Dunedin branch of the Sbuth African Veterans’ Association was held in the Otago Officers’ Club Room, Moray place, on Thursday, there being about 50 members present. The Rev. D. Dutton presided. Following are the chief clauses in the annual report:—At tho invitation of the Rev. D. Dutton a meeting of South African ex-servicemen was held at the Otago Officers’ Club on Tuesday, September 19, 1922, when, on the motion of Mr F. Stone, seconded by Mr J. Kay, the following resolution was unanimously carried: —“That a Dunedin branch of the South African War Veterans’ Association of New Zealand be formed, those present forming the nucleus of the branch. ' The object of the association was to foster a spirit of comradeship among all South African war veterans. As a result of interviews by the president and secretary with the presidents of the Wellington and Auckland branches of the association, the Dunedin branch was requested by the other centres to draw up a statement dealing with a suggested military pension for South African veterans on the same lines as the Maori war veterans, with a view to this being submitted to the other branches in New Zealand and, after approval, to the individual members of Parliament. This statement is as follows: —“The South African War Veterans’ Association of New Zealand considers that after a lapse of a quarter of a century since the despatch of the first New Zealand Contingent for service in the Boer War, the time has arrived when tho remaining veterans of that war should be placed on the same footing for military pensions as the veterans of tho Maori wars. Further, that a copy of this, or an amended statement, be forvcarcleo (after approval by the other branches of the association in New Zealand) to the Prime Minister of New Zealand with the respectful request to give effect to it this session of Parliament.” The Chairman moved the adoption of the report and balance sheet, tho latter showing a credit balance of £2 17s. He referred to the subject of South African veterans being placed on the same footing as Maori war veterans, and said that some years ago the latter had received what was practically the old-age pension. After 25 years it was thought desirable that the South African men should be placed upon an improved footing. A move had been made to place the South African veterans on the same footing as returned soldiers, but that had been turned down. It had, however, been stated that when the men engaged in the late, war returned from the front tire South African veterans’ claims would be considered. Just at the close of last session of Parliament the South African men had been placed upon the same footing as returned soldiers as to taking up land. However, the general feeling amongst the South African men was that that had come too late. He believed that less than half a dozen had availed themselves of tho opportunity, about four having gone to Hawke’s Bay. The opinion was that that did not meet the requirements of the vast majority of the men, and it was thought that if they were placed, upon the same footing as the Maori war veterans it would meet the case. The matter had been discussed by every association, and had come on to the Dunedin, branch. In visiting Wellington and other places he had found that the general feeling was that the land would be of vary little service. The majority thought the offer would not be acceptable to a. good many of the men, some of whom were not too well off. .the real question was whether there Should not be some recognition. A number of the South African veterans had taken part in the late war and had made the supreme sacrifice, and tho total was decreasing very considerably. Before anything could be done it would be necessary to get a list of the names. They would then be able to obtain the approximate number of those who would be benefited by the scheme. The feeling was that this amended suggestion should be sent to the Prime Minister. In approaching him again unitedly possiblv something might be done. It was probable that if the Government agreed to the proposal it would fix the age of recipients. There had been ouite a number of New Zealanders in South Africa before the war broke out who had joined regiments raised in South Africa and had served, and these were New Zealanders the same as themselves, and, he thought, should be classed with the others. The motion was carried. The Chairman said that they regretted the absence of their vice-president, Colonel O’Neill. Most- of them were aware of the great sorrow that had come to him and the family through the death of his brother. It was thought that they should send a letter of consolation to the vice-president. This was agreed to, members standing. The subscription was fixed at 5s per annum. The following office-bearers were elected: President, the Rev. D. Dutton; vice-presi-dent. Dr E. Jj, O’Neill; committee —Messrs E. C. Hazlett, B. Ellis, W. Dobson. H. D. Tennant, J. C. Rigby, and W. Waldie; and auditor, Mr F. Evans. A vote of thanks having been accorded lue Rev. D. Dutton and Dr A. R. Falconer for past services, Mr H. D. Tennant, gave a brief address on the “South African Rebellion.” Mr Tennant, it may ho mentioned, served in the South African War and also in the late war. At the conclusion of his remarks Mr Tennant showed some views of a very interesting nature of various places in South Arica closely associated with the Boer War, and was accorded a very hearty vote of thanks for his address.