A TROOP FORMED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 238, 22 July 1935, Page 6

A TROOP FORMED

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN. ASHBURTON MOVEMENT. MANY MEN INTERESTED. A decision to form an Ashburton troop of the Legion of Frontiersmen was come to at a well-attended meeting of those interested on Saturday evening. There were over 50 present. The Mayor (Mi 1 W. H. Woods) presided and associated with him were Colonel J. Findlay (Ashburton), StaffLieutenant D. H. Graham (Dunedin), Lieutenant A. Rathbone, Sergeant S. Rogers, Corporal C. Foster, Corporal E. Saunders and 13 troopers from Timaru.

The Mayor welcomed the Timaru contingent and said he felt there would have been a larger attendance had the meeting been more widely known. The history of the Legion of Frontiersmen since its establishment by Captain Roger Pocock, in 1904, together with its aims and objects, were dealt with by Staff-Lieutenant Graham who said the legion stood for patriotism, preparedness and! comradeship. Everyone who entered tho legion was on the same level. Ho referred to the early activities and said the first troop in New Zealand was formed in Christchurch in 1909. The legion did much to help returned soldiers. Lieutenant Rathbone dealt with the constitution of the Legion, explaining the membership requirements . Men under 25 years of age were not admitted as the legion considered younger men should belong to the territorials. None wore too old, though,, and there were tasks for all. Members could assist at all civic functions! The speaker mentioned the drill and social activities and made special reference to the wrong impression created that one of the Legion’s activities was to suppress riots. While it sought to preserve general law and order, strikes were not interfered with. The troop could he mounted but this was not compul-

sory. The resolution to form the troop was carried on the motion of Messrs G. Campbell and W. Donald. Mr Donald was elected secretary pro tem. Eight members were elected and other names were forwarded to the New Zealand Executive. The election of officer commanding was held over until next meeting. The Yen. Archdeacon A. J. Petue, speaking in support of the motion, said the ideal of comradeship was a very fine one.