HUMANITARIAN WORK

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 13

HUMANITARIAN WORK

Legion of Frontiersmen TRIBUTES TO FOUNDER Fully 60 per cent, of the strength of the Imperial Legion of Frontiersmen in Wellington was represented on Tuesday evening when the Legion's founder, Captain Rodger Pocock, was entertained. . The meeting was presided over by Captain Alan Smith, Acting Commander 1.0.L.F. (NJZ.), who was supported by Captain R. V. Scrimgeour, Padre G. K. Moir and Lieutenant J. Orr. Other guests of the evening were Captain (Gappy) Cook, and King’s Corporal G. Smith. Captain Smith introduced Captain Pocock, who reviewed the inception of the Legion of Frontiersmen, its duties to the Empire, and the work achieved in the past. He stated that on no fewer than eight occasions the Legion had been the direct cause of averting hostilities breaking out in different parts of the world. Under the supervision of the War Officer the Legion in Great Britain was supplying trained men to regulate traffic, conduct people to gas-proof shelters, and render first aid to those gassed or injured. For this work 15,000 were required for London alone. Another branch of the Legion working under Captain R. A. Smith was busy erecting gas-proof shelters. Captain Pocock said his present tour was chiefly for recruiting and he had already completed very successful visits to South Africa ’and the Western and Southern portions of Australia. The results had been exceptional. In places where no units previously existed, strong units were now functioning. He concluded by expressing his thanks for the welcome be had received. Captain Cook, the first Commandant for the Legion of Frontiersmen in New Zealand, expressed bis thanks for the reception tendered to him, and gave the history of the Legion during its inception in New Zealand. He stated that owing to the instruction and advice be bad received from Captain Pocock, during his period as Commandant, he had seen the organisation grow in New Zealand to such an extent that the command had to be split into two units, the North and South Islands.

Several items were given by friends of the organisation, after which Padre Moir gave an address on the difficulties and duties of a padre. Captain R. V. Scrimgeour spoke on behalf of the members who were absent, conveying to Captain Pocock their regrets.