THE VETERANS' HOME.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 7433, 20 June 1902, Page 3

THE VETERANS' HOME.

PROPOSAL OF THE GOVERNOR. A number of telegrams have passed between his Excellency the Governor and his Worship the Mayor of Chrsistchurch, with reference to the proposed Veterans' Home. As the Mayor has to be in Wellington to attend the Municipal Conference early next month, he will be unable to take up the matter until after his return, bufc in order that no time may be lost, he would De glad to receive the names of any gentlemen who would co-operate with him in furthering a proposal which must commend itself to the public. "To the Mayor of Christchurch. Wellington, June 18. — The Governor desires to draw your Worship's attention- to the movement he is desirous to inaugurate, to establish a Home to hold come forty aged veterans who have seen active service in the Army, Navy, or colonial Forces j He has this day received a cable message from London, informing him that H.R.H. Princess Christian, President of the Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors' Help Society, entirely approves of the establishment of such a Home, and she will place the matter before her committee with the least delay possible. The Governor would point out that the establishment of this Homo would be of inestimable benefit now to very many respectable men, who have, -besides other deeds elsewhere in" our Empire, done much to preserve his Majesty's supremacy. In New Zealand, Old Men's Homes, and other charitable institutions, do not cover the necessities of these people, who mostly prefer to live independently in dire poverty to having either to be separated from their wives or to be mixed' up with the crowd of unfortunates who may be obliged to live on the country's charity, amongst whom are many imbecile or suffering from incurable diseasts. This condition of things should not be. The Empire owes much to those who have served it, and though many receive pensions, others -are not so fortunate. Ifc would be not only p great act of kindness to these old people if the establishment, of <i home for them could be quickly realised, but such a Home would be a fitting memorial to the many who have lost their lives in South Africa. It would also commemorate in a lasting and useful manner their Maje~ties' Coronation year. The Governor expresses a hope that this prospect may meet with your Worship's support, and that you will establish a committee to collect funds with a view to helping this object. The Governor feels confident that he will now receive good support from i_ngland to assist in its establishment, provided the people of New Zealand support the movement. He, however, has no intention of launching a new charity on the colony until he 6ees thafc it can be made prominently successful. The funds collected can be allocated to any of the following : ; —(1) Building and furnishing fund ; (2) endowment of an "in memoriam " bed or cottage ; (3) permanent endowment. The first Home must be in the North Islamd, two-thirds of -those for whom it is at present required living there. If funds permit, a yacond home of a smaller nature could be afterwards established, elsewhere. —Ranfurly." The Mayor sent the following answer : — " Replying to your Excellency's telegram you may rely on my hearty support. I should like to have a definite project to lay before the citizens. May/ 1 suggest that if, as I understand, the Home is to include separate cottages, svfch proposal might be to build and endow a cottage or cottages to be known as the Canterbury Cottages, and possibly devoted primarily to veterans from this province. If this system were adopted in other centres I think you should gefc substantial support from this Island. This coming week is so much Occupied with Coronation celebrations that I am afraid that I could nob arrange such a meeting as would do justice to your proposal immediately, and as I have to be in Wellington early next month I should like to leave- it oyer till my return, and" would confer with your Excellency regarding details and amount required if you approve this course. — H. F. Wigram." His Excellency replied :—" Wellington, June 19.— 1n reply ito his Wonship's suggestion as to there being cottages specially dedicated to Canterbury and Canterbury veterans, the Governor specially desires that districts contributing should have proportional representation among the inmates of the proposed Home, provided the district can name suitable cases. The first Home, musfc be in the North Island, but special beds or cottages can be easily arranged- for, and eventually it may be possible, if the project meets real support, to establish a smaller Home in the South Island. There is need for both, but it is besfc to move slowly, and gefc one properly established firsfc where ifc would be most suitable.— Ranfurly."