Historical information

A document summarising events significant to Legacy in the year 1946. With the return to peacetime the question of eligibility arose. The fundamental rule on which Legacy was based 'that of honourable service overseas' was clear cut in the case of the 1914-1918 war 'but much more difficult to define in the many and varied fields of service in the war which commenced in 1939'. Discussions were continued through the war at Annual Conferences. Many members believed that membership should be open to 'any male person who served as a member of the Forces of the British Empire irrespective of whether or not overseas service was involved'. And a resolution was passed at the 18th Annual Conference in Adelaide in 1946.
Similar discussions of eligibility of Junior Legacy benefits was also discussed and definitions evolved.
There was an increased need to help young widows with young children.
First mention of the need to have a 'toddler home' for children from age 3 to 8. A property was acquired in Balcombe road with donation from the Trustees of 'Blamey House' - a war time hostel for servicemen which was being wound up and balance of funds being donated to Legacy. (Property acquired was 'Mossgiel' in Balcombe rd but renamed Blamey house due to the terms of the donation).
Also the former Red Cross property of 'Stanhope' was made ready for the first residents welcomed in December 1946.
Dureau House was under 'constant consideration'. (It seems the Dental Clinic was transferred here and there other part made available to the Melbourne Technical College - but in the 1950s it was still not suitable for Legacy's headquarters and sold).
Classes during the war had been difficult to find suitable halls, and 43 Market St was still being used by the Air Force.
A superannuation scheme was instituted for the Legacy staff.
The notation H18 in red pen shows that it was part of the archive project that was trying to capture the history of Legacy.

Significance

A report covering the main work of Legacy in 1946.

Physical description

White foolscap paper with black type x 5 pages of the achievements of Legacy in 1946.

Inscriptions & markings

Handwritten 'H19' in red pen.