VETERANS MEET

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19478, 23 December 1925, Page 9

VETERANS MEET

THE ANNUAL GATHERING A DECREASING MEMBERSHIP PALMERSTON, N., Dec. 22. The annual gathering of the Nevi Zealand Association of His Majesty’i Veterans was held here yesterday. The annual report stated that front a return furnished by the Commissionei of Pensions, 83 Maori War pensionerfl died during the period October, 1924, to September 30, 1925. On the latter date the total survivors drawing the pension had decreased to 476. The strength of the Association was: Taranaki 42; Wanganui 10; Hastings 12; Wellington 8; Manawatu 8; total 80. The Gisborne and Masterton branches had ceased to exist. At other places it was impossible to hold meetings owing to the old age, of members and it was only a question of time when the Association, as a body, would cease to The secretary stated that since September last 17 more pensioners had died. Tho election of officers resulted: Major Lomax, vice president; Major Garner, secretary. The meeting received a letter from (he R.S.A. inviting the Association to amalgamate with it. The following reHolutl n was carried: “This Association, after considering the suggestion of the R.S.A., while thanking it for its well-meant intentions, cannot join up and consent to lose its identity.”