SOUTH AFRICAN WAR

Stratford Evening Post, Issue 44, 5 December 1929, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN WAR

VETERANS’ ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WELLINGTON, Dec. 4. Several matters «f importance to South African War veterans were discussed at the last meeting of the Dominion executive of the South African War Veterans’ Association, presided over by Captain J. J. Clark, Domin' ion president. ■. I '»«• • - • ■ - Some discussion arose as to the circumstances connected with the burial of veterans of the South African War residing in New Zealand at the time of their death. In the particular case under notice it was explained that the Internal Affairs Department held that the liability for funeral expenses in such a case had been questioned for the reason that the deceased had not been a member of the New Zealand force but was an Imperial man who had died in the Dominion. As the Pensions Department had stated that there was no authority to expend money to pay the bunal expenses of other than members of New Zealand contingents, It was decided that a deputation wait on the Minister to ascertain the true position on the matter. In connection with the evidence to be tendered to the Commission which was now taking evidence throughout the Dominion on pensions,' veterans’ homes and the general rehabilitation of ’ returned soldiers, it was stated that Dunedin and Auckland were advocating the . establishment of veterans’ homes, while the Dominion delegates had turned down these proposals at the recent conference, While the local associations had a perfect light to advocate what they believed to be the best course to adopt in the interests of veterans, it was the bounden. duty Of the executive to advocate before the Commission (through the president and vice-president and any others who might be chosen to present these views) the considered opinions of the Dor inion Conference, otherwise the districts represented at the conference, but which -would not be visited by the Commission might bo treated unfairly in not having their views placed before the duly authorised tribunal. It was stated that there was a diversity of opinion on Hie matter of pensions. Some associations were of the opinion that war pensions at the age of 65 should be drawn as a right, no matter what, the position of the recipient might be, while others held a contrary vie In this connection also the Dominion executive will present to the Commission the considered views of the conference, leaving the associations to submit the proposals or the elaboration of various suggestions which have been or will be made to £he Commission. % ■