Photograph, Conference in Launceston 1940, 1940

Historical information

The photo shows a group of Legatees who attended the 13th Annual Legacy Club Conference held in April 1940 in Launceston. The names are not known. The Legacy conference was held periodically, often annually, and allowed Legatees from across Australia to gather together.
The aim of the annual conference was an exchange of ideas and methods of carrying out Legacy functions, and to form general policy for cooperation between clubs and groups.
From TROVE. Mercury (Hobart, Tas. : 1860 - 1954), Monday 25 March 1940, page 6
'There are 20 clubs in Australia, and of these seven will be directly represented and another seven by proxy. Delegates from other clubs. Visitors from Melbourne, Sydney, Bendigo, Newcastle, Geelong, and Hobart, together with a strong representation from the Launceston Club will take part in the conference, which will open in the Anzac Hostel Hall on Saturday.
Delegates and observers will arrive in Launceston this week to be present at the ceremony of presenting the Charter of Legacy to the Hobart Club on Wednesday evening. The organisation in Hobart has been functioning for many years as the Remembrance Club, but has now accepted the invitation of Legacy to join up, using as its new name "Remembrance Club (Hobart Legacy)." '
The man second from left on the front row is Frank Wittman, who was the smallest man to have enlisted in the 1st AIF and as such the shortest Legatee. Frank Clifford Wittman was only 4ft 4 inches tall (132 cms). From an article in the bulletin when his medals were sold. He served in both world wars.

Significance

These men were some of the founders and early members of Legacy throughout Australia and had fought in the first World War. This conference was during the second World War. The 1940 Conference was when the Hobart Remembrance Club joined with Legacy.

Physical description

Black and white photo of a group of Legatees at the 1940 conference in Launceston.

Inscriptions & markings

Hand-written on reverse: 'Legacy Club Conference / Launceston T. / March 30/1940' in navy ink.

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