ONE OF THEMSELVES

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 114, 7 February 1935, Page 10

ONE OF THEMSELVES

General Sir A. Godley With Ex-Servicemen GOLD BADGE PRESENTED An enthusiastic • reception was accorded General Sir Alexander Godley by the ’Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association last night, when a large gathering of ex-servicemen' met Sir Alexander at the Masonic Hall for a korero. A programme of instrumental items was provided by the Tin Hat Club. Colonel A. Cowles, as president ot the association, welcomed Sir Alexander. “The association exists for the purpose mainly of helping ex-soldiers who have fallen on evil times, of securing benefits for those who are permanently' incapacitated in mind or body, of watching the interests of widows and other dependants of soldiers who lost their lives during the war or who have died since the war as a result of war injuries,” he said. “Under your command the citizen soldiery of this Dominion was trained in military arts, organised into a mobile fighting force, adaptable to any turn of affairs. Under you it took the field and proved worthy of its country and the cause for which it fought. / “The Wellington U.S.A, represents soldiers of all ranks resident in the Wellington area, and from them I convey to you their appreciation of and thanks for the great work which you did in training before the war, your leadership during the war and your keen interest in the welfare of soldiers since the war. We trust that every good fortune may follow Lady Godley and yourself and that you may live long to enjoy the honour you have so richly merited.” Color/4 Cowles said. Memories of 20 Years Ago.

The Hon. W. Perry, in presenting the guest of honour with the gold badge of the R.S.A., said he was sure the gathering reminded Sir Alexander of the times which began 20 years ago. Some time between 1910 and 1914 Sir Alexander was Chief Savage of the Wellington Savage Club. They could look upon him as being first in peace, first in war, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.

“When I call you comrades, remember that I am a returned New Zealand soldier, although I have taken 17 years to return,” said Sir Alexander in reply. “I feel very much at home among all my comrades of the N.Z.E.F. It was a wonderful bond of comradeship to sing again the old war songs that have been sung to-night. After all, there is no comradeship like -that formed by soldiers.” When the general mentioned the name of Sir lan Hamilton there was a burst of-, applause. “I am very pleased to hear how you received my mention of Sir lan,” said the speaker. “He always retains a warm place In his heart for the New Zealand men whom he knew so well on Gallipoli. He wished me to convey his good wishes, which I gladly do.” “Cherish the Anzac Spirit.” Sir Alexander was in reminiscent mood and recalled numbers of names well known to New Zealand ex-service men. The spirit of Anzac was very strong in Australia and was the same here. He begged of his hearers to cherish that spirit and to hand it on. In returning thanks for the gift of the association’s gold badge, Sir Alexander said he looked upon it as a very great honour and it cemented Ins Ne>v Zealand soldiership and comradeship. It made him one with the men themselves, and there was nothing he could wear among the decorations received in 4S years as a soldier more proudly than his gold badge of the R.S.A. “I thank you very much for the honour you have done me.” he said with feeling. A visit to the headquarters of the South African War^Veterans’ Association was made by Sir Alexander before he attended the R.S.A. reception. He was met by Mr. J. I. Goldsmith, president,' Captain Bishop, treasurer, and Mr. J. H. E. Tilling, secretary, and inspected the association’s mementoes, photographs and records.