| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Mention that Sir Fabian Ware was absent due to illness. Location of General Currie’s funeral corrected from previous minutes. Mention that a new High Commissioner for New Zealand (The Hon. Sir James Parr) was appointed and was attending this meeting. Refers to the message of condolence sent on behalf of the Commission on the death of the Belgian King.
Mention that on Captain King’s departure from the Commission to explore Western Canada, Lord Arthur Browne would return to temporarily fill the vacancy in the Secretariat.
Proposal made to reorganise the United Kingdom Graves Committee (to deal with points raised on war graves in the United Kingdom such as maintenance issues, burials with non-standard headstones, and maintaining a register of graves). Agreement to add Sir Archibald Montgomery-Massingberd, Lord Arthur Browne, Sir Morgan Singer, Sir Herbert Ellissen and Mr Housden to the Committee.
Report Of The 229th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Refers to the departure of the Chief Horticultural Officer (Captain Parker) from the Commission.
Report Of The 21st Meeting Of The Staff Committee
Mentions that National Health Insurance was the only subject noted but this would be raised as a separate item.
Delegation Of Vice-Chairman’s Powers When Absent
References that a change of wording was approved in the memorandum covering the delegation of the Vice-Chairman’s powers when absent.
Employment Of The Sons Of Gardener-Caretakers
The first proposal discussed was to continue with filling vacancies with Great War ex-servicemen under 45. Second proposal put forward was to train a small number of the sons of Commission gardeners, with a two-year probationary period. Third proposal to offer a proportion of Commission posts to the sons of the Commission’s employees. This would apply to sons both of whose parents were British and to those whose mother was French or Belgian. These proposals were made to address the difficulties of the boys in this position: not benefiting from British health and unemployment Insurances, Pensions etc, or French equivalents. Disadvantages of living in France wind losing out on not living in England. Discussions suggested not making an early decision, and the desire to ensure only British nationals benefitted. First two proposals were agreed in principle, the third referred to the Finance and Staff Committees.
Anglo-French Mixed Committee
Proposal and agreement that Lieutenant-General Sir John Coleridge, K.C.B., C.M.G., D.S.O. should be appointed to replace General Muspratt.
Pennycomequick Cemetery, Plymouth
Approval given to the Commission taking over responsibility for six graves in the Plymouth (Pennycomequick) Cemetery. |