NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 203, 1 October 1914, Page 8

NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

CONTINGENT AND WAR FUND. From Our Special Correspondent. LONDON, August 14, A meeting of New Zealanders in London, called by the New Zealand Association, was held in the Westminster Palace Hotel yesterday afternoon. The High Commissioner for the Dominion, the Hon. T. Mackenzie, presided over a meeting of about 400. Amongst those present were Lord Plunket and Lord Islington, ex-Governors of New Zealand, Lady Islington) the Hon. W. Pember Beeves, lately Agent-General for the Dominion, and representatives of all parts of the country. The High Commissioner's opening speech was as follows: —• Mr Mackenzie's Speech; In welcoming you here this evening I think" our first duty is to thank the committee of the New Zealand Asso; ciation for their good work in organising this gathering in order that some course may be followed for the purpose of putting into action the generous efforts that have been made by so many people. We have here a large and most representative gathering of those who are, and have been, associated with our Dominion. First there is the Right Honourable Lord Islington, the newlyappointed Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies. And let me here say how pleased we New Zealanders are that his services have been secured for that important post. His knowledge, experience, and energy will be invaluable, not only for the Government of the country, but especially for those great interests associated with his Majesty's oversea dominions. We have also Lord Plunket —another of our ex-Governors —a man who did splendid service during the time he was with us, and whose name, together with that of his good lady, is still, an honoured one in the, Dominion. The Bench is represented, by the Eight Hon. Sir Joshua Strange Williams and Mr Justice Chapman. Our commercial and shipping interests are represented by Sir James Mills and Mr McMillan, of Auckland. Our farmers and pastoralists arid citizens are represented—together with their wives and daughters, in numbers that must bring gratification; to. the hearts of our English-speaking friends ih, ; this the centre of the Empire. We hope at today 's gathering to so organise and arrange matters as to be able to" - give efficient direction to those who are so generously prepared to assist. Naturally from so many minds there have been many suggestions, for all of which we are most grateful. In a measure, some of the ideas we hope to be able to give effect to and others are already provided for. Indebted to Lord Islington. .-I:.may say that the High Commissioners have had several meetings in consultation ; with Lord Islington, and I am sure we are deeply indebted to him for his valuable co-operation. We have endeavoured to shape a line of uniformity of action, in order that confusion should not arise.in connection with names and designations. Subject to your approval, we have thought that the name of the organisation should be "The New Zealand War Contingent Association." It is thought that there should be a general committee formed of Which the High Commissioner should be the president; that there should be two sub-committees, and,, afterwards, other committees might be constituted as occasion might require. I have gathered through the Colonial Office that the Victoria League would willingly co-operate with us, and as they contain in their ranks numbers of New Zealanders,-it is to be hoped that, they will nominate some representatives for the committees—probably the best would be the women's committees. On the main committee we are fortunate in having permission to include some of our ex-Governors, and many of our leading public men. Later on it is intended to form a connecting link between the various overseas organisations, with the representatives from the Colonial Office and other prominent men. A Consultative Committee. In addition to these cpmmittees representative of New Zealand and other similar ones, representing Canada and Australia, it is proposed that there should be established a Consultative Committee, with power of a purely advisory character to each committee, which, incidentally, can act as a connecting link between the respective committees which may be anticipated to bring about good Imperial results. This Consultative Committee to consist of prominent gentlemen conversant with the Empire and whose names are known in the Dominion. On this committee there should be some one who has had intimate connection with the War Office and the Admiralty. It would also be advisable to have some one in touch with a large supply department and stores, whose special knowledge would be valuable in this direction. Dealing first with the efforts of the men. Many are keenly desirous of giving active military service; others, who are perhaps advanced in years, are willing to give any form of assistance to which their services can be applied. Dealing with those who wish to give active military service, it is, as will appear obvious on reflection, impossible for us to form a unit here to attach to the main army, but there are other avenues—equally honourable and equally effective—that might be suggested. There is, first, King Edward's Horse, which was formed during the South African War, with the subtitle of the King's Overseas Dominions Regiment. If, however, it be the wish of our friends to be more closely j associated with New Zealand, it might be possible, with the approval of the War Office and with the concurrence of my Government, for them to drill in the meantime, with the view of becoming attached to the New Zealand Forces afterwards, wherever they may ; be stationed. ' Hospital Work. We come now to consider the joint working of men and women, the avenue for which most readily comes to mind is that of hospital work. But in this respect I am advised that ample accommodation has now been provided for all cases that are likely to occur. We may therefore leave that object out of our purview in the meantime. We come now to the work that women can do, in which thqy can be assisted by

men, namely, organising for the purpose of working, making clothing for the wives and dependents of our soldiers. Some, also, might devote themselves to visiting the wives and children of»those brave men who have gone abroad, so that.their lives may be made brighter and more hopeful under the great strain under which they are now living. There is the personal touch, which counts for so much, and the little attentions to many comforts. Later on, there will be the question of finding' accommodation for convalescents in country homes, so that after they have passed through the hospitals they may be taken in hand and gradually brought back to health, and once more rendered fit for active ser•vice. Also to keep in touch with relatives and men. I can hardly tell you of the many expressions and acts of kindness already offered in this respect, and yesterday the women of the Victoria League said that they desired, ,in addition to our own efforts as New ' Zealanders, to welcome them as fellow countrymen at this end, and to make them feel that there was a deep and lasting interest and affection existing between the people of the Mother Coun- | try and those of her children overseas. Urgent Need of Help. It may be thought that the work that the women might do just now should be confined entirely to New Zealanders and those dependent on New Zealanders, but as many weeks must elapse before they will require such attention, and as there is urgent need in so many directions even now, of kindness and ,benevolence and practical help, I am sure that our women will take that on,and when occasion does arise in connection with our own people they can then switch off and devote themselves to that end. The suggestion has been made-that some of this work might be presented nthrough our gracious Queen Mary's organisation, to be called the "New Zealand contribution to the wives,and children of our soldiers." A committee will be set up to deal with these matters, as will also one in connection with finance for the purpose of collecting—and subject to the approval of the main committee —of disposing of that fund. We are particularly anxious, of course, to maintain the individuality of our country in connection with our efforts here, but subject to that proviso I think we are warm-hearted enough to widen our sphere of work so as to include all effective and willing workers in kindly co-operation. * Was Not of Our Seeking. And now one word before closing. This war is not of Our seeking. Europe was happy, contented, and prosperous—with one exception as regards content - edness —and now we find that that exception has caused the .; whole of the Continent to be involved in one of the most fearful wars that has darkened, or will the pages of history. Our position was clear when the treaty effecting Belgium wag violated, and never-for one moment did the Government of our country hesitate as to their clear line of duty; Apart from the fact that Europe's struggle might finally become ours, we could not divorce ourselves of our responsibility, or sulip our honour by abandoning our friends under the conditions alluded to. . Brave Belgium and ourselves have therefore cast ourselves—for the moment, at any rate—between that modern tyrant of Europe and those he had single.d put for his victims. I am sure the whole Empire, if not the whole civilised world, has viewed with unmingled admiration the magnificent work done by our Government and Parliament in this great and trying time'. Each action —step by step—.has been thought out, with a grasp and a statesmanlike capacity worthy of the highest traditions of our race. They have shaped for themselves avenues hitherto untrod. They have, by a constructive policy, met and provided for financial, trade, and war risks and difficulties, which has calmed the public mind, and has allowed the machineiy of trade and commerce to go on almost uninterruptedly. To the uninitiated what these men have done' will never be sufficiently understood, even if it is appreciated. There are those who have declared that Britain and the Empire was a decadent race: but it only required the occasion to call forth the great determination and ability of our people to face a great emergency. / War With.a Vengeance. i Our whole Empire is ajive in every fibre. The young nations will unite with the older in upholding the civilisation and peaceful development policy which has all along characterised us. Well might Sir Edward Grey say with Lord Dalhousie: "I wanted peace, I have struggled for peace, but if you are bent on war, war you shall have with a vengeance." And, I will add, that under the direction of capable Ministers, and guided by the powerful arm of Kitchener, the sword shall not be sheathed until that tyrant- disturber of the world's peace shall have been effectively dealt with. Lord Plunket, in moving the adoption of the name proposed, said that he was proud to be half a New Zeaiander, and to have served so fine a people. Justice Sir Joshua Williams, K.C., P.C., of the Court of Appeal, seconded the motion, which was carried. He said that they might have to play an uphill game—the country knew how to do that. They were opposing the vicious principle that might was right. (Applause.) The Hon. W. Pember Reeves, ex-Agent-General for New Zealand, who spoke eloquently, was interrupted by frequent applause. He referred to the unity of the whole Empire. So far as civilisation went, it was clear we had nothing to learn from Germany. On his motion, seconded by Mr A. Dillon Bell, it was decided to elect a committee to deal with questions of organisation. On the motion of Sir James Mills (chairman of the Union Steam Ship Company, seconded by Mr Charles McMillan, an executive committee was appointed. Lord Islingtou, in the course of a thoughtful speech, expressed the desire of his Majesty's Government to cooperate and help. It Avas decided that the meeting was in complete approval of the action taken by the New Zealand Government in aiding the Imperial Government in the crisis. Lady Islington, seconded by Lady Mills, carried a vote of thanks to the chairman and speakers. Lady Islington referred to the .offer AAiiich she and Lord Islington had made of their house'to be a hospital, to be called the New Zealand Hospital, surgeons, nurses, and patients from the Dominion to have prior claim upon it. She had been informed that at the present such an institution was not needed. She would like to know if she had the people with her. (Long applause.) The High Commissioner then ''called for subscriptions to the opening of the New Zealand Association's War Fund, and some £ISOO was subscribed in the room. The High Commissioner, at his office, 13 Victoria Street, Westminster, is receiving further subscriptions.