S. AFRICAN VETERANS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18256, 27 November 1933, Page 3

S. AFRICAN VETERANS

GISBORNE BRANCH LAST MEETING THIS YEAR The monthly meeting of the South African Veterans’ Association was held on Saturday evening, Veteran George Crawshaw presiding over a full attendance of members. Several apologies for absence were received. Correspondence was received from Dominion headquarters with reference to matters arising out of the conference that required attention from the different branches. Mr Cecil Day, official secretary of the Governor-General, wrote enclosing a copy of a letter from Colonel E. C. Warner, D. 5.0., M.C., commanding Scots Guards, with reference to the memorial to the late Field-Marshal Lord Methuen, to take the form of (a) an appropriate memorial in the chancel of the Royal Military Chapel, Wellington Barracks; (b) the establishment of a trust fund to be expended for the benefit of his regiment, the Scots Guards. It was felt that nothing more appropriate could be devised to carry on the memory of Lord Methuen than to assist those who serve or have served in the regiment he loved so well. Headquarters, Wellington, had made a donation to the fund, and it was left to individual associations to contribute to the fund should they so desire.

A letter of appreciation from the relatives of a recently-deceased Soudan War veteran was received.

The president gave a very interesting account of his recent trip to Wellington, where he interviewed several of the executive officers of the association.

The sick visitors reported that Veteran J. Swarbrick was still a hospital inmate, Veteran Campbell had been admitted and discharged since last meeting, and that Veteran R. Smith was convalescent and rapidly improving in health. The hon. secretary reported receipt of a donation to the benevolent fund from Mr. R. J. Kerri dge. Considerable discussion took place with regard to the coming visit of 11.M.5. Diomede. The chairman explained what had been done in the matter, and his action was approved. It was further decided to assist the Gisborne Publicity League, those present volunteering their services for the ball on the Tuesday, and the concert at the Opera House on the Friday. This concluded the business, and being the last meeting of the year the chairman wished those present the compliments of Hie season, and extended them an invitation to meet him at his home on Saturday, December 16, when the festive season would be celebrated with the usual honors due on such occasions.