ASKED TO LEAVE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 143, 18 June 1940, Page 5

ASKED TO LEAVE.

GUEST AT MEETING. NOT A' RETURNED SOLDIER. INCIDENT AT STRATFORD.

(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) NEW PLYMOUTH, this day. A young man who had claimed that he was a returned soldier, although he subsequently admitted that he was not, was asked to leave the annual reunion of the Stratford branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association. The man's right to be present at the gathering was not questioned until he began interjecting while a member was speaking. His participation in the discussion, however, resulted in his rapid departure, insisted upon by the president, Lieutenant-Colonel T. L. Gibbs. The incident arose when discussion centred on a resolution put to the meeting by a past president of the South Taranaki association, Dr. A. M. Young. Mr. T. J. Ryan, in arguing his right to speak, said that when he was making some remarks earlier a man who wat not a returned soldier had "chipped in.' The accusation found its mark, foi the civilian stood up. Mr. E. D. Evans, doorkeeper: I let this man in because he assured me lie was a returned soldier. "Are you a returned soldier?" asked Lieutenant-Colonel Gibbs. "No? Then i I'm afraid I'll have to ask you to leave.' The Civilian: All right, I'll go, but I'll get even with you—wait till -I get hold of that leatherhead doorkeeper. i "I brought him here; he is my guest,' > shouted a member in annoyed tones, i Voices: He will have to go. , With little more ado, the civilian clam I be.red over the back of his seat, eatini i a cake while he did so and making ■ uncomplimentary remarks about tilt t hospitality. He stamped out of the hal \ and swung through the door, but evidently ■-dently thought better of carrying intr effect his threats to the doorkeeper.