LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

Evening Star, Issue 22032, 18 May 1935, Page 15

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

ANNUAL CONFERENCE OPENED TRIBUTE TG DUNEDIN PIONEERS “ An Empire organisation built up largely from pioneers’ descendants, tbe New Zealand Legion of Frontiersmen is deeply conscious of anything pertaining to the pioneer spirit,” declared Act-ing-commandant J. C. Pindlater, in introducing Deputy-mayor F. Jones, M.P., at the opening ceremony of the Legion’s annual conference, held in the Dunedin Returned Soldiers’ Association’s social hall this morning. Major Findlater paid tribute to the pioneers of Dunedin, who, he said, had built, up a beautiful place from rough surroundings. But Dunedin was not only a city boasting many fine edifices; it had left its mark on the commerce of the dominion. There was a saying in various parts of the dominion that Auckland was practically financed by Dunedin capital, and also that although Wellington was the “ capital ”, of New Zealand, Dunedin had “ it.” Again, cultural sense was an outstanding asset of national life in New Zealand, and Dunedin’s educational institutions were known throughout the land, while in his profession as an educationist Major Findlater was able to speak authoritatively as to the standard of Dunedin’s scholastic and medical attainments. Deputy-mayor Jones apologised for the absence of the mayor' (the Rev. E. T. Cox), and welcomed the visiting delegates to the city. The Legion, he said, had been formed 33 years ago, and consisted of soldiers, seafarers, explorers, miners, _ engineers, hunters, ranchers, and pioneers—all men who had worked to develop the Empire. In 1848 a band of immigrants had come to this country to establish new homes in order to give themselves and theirohildren a better chance in life. One could see the work they had performed in less than 100 years, and could only marvel at their courage and foresight. The Legion realised how’ much it was the duty of everybody to extend the industries and educational institutions of which New Zealanders were so proud. The Legion also stood for comradeship, so that its members might work together and achieve something. Mr Jones expressed the nope that the conference would be a success and that the results of the deliberations would be • a benefit to the community at large as well'as the Legion. The Legion’s flag was ushered in, after which those present sang the National Anthem. The conference session was then commenced. PRIME MINISTER AND WAR. It was decided—“ That this conference places on record its appreciation and concurs with the recent inspired remarks of our Prime Minister, when overseas, that ‘ when Britain is at war we are at war,’ and considers that this utterance expresses the sentiments •of all loyal New Zealand citizens, “This conference also deprecates the resolutions passed by certain organisations, some which should know better, condemning our Prim© Minister’s remarks, and is strongly of opinion that the trend of world affairs makes it imperative that universal military training of the youth of New* Zealand should be introduced at an early date.” CONFERENCE PROGRAMME. Over 100 delegates representing units throughout- New Zealand arrived yesterday to attend the conference. The New Zealand headquarters staff is represented by Major J. C. Findlater (Hawera), Lieutenant-colonel Weston, Lieutenant P. A. Warren, ■ and Lieutenant D. H. Graham (Dunedin), Visiting delegates include Lieutenant Taylor (A Squadron, Auckland), Captain Robinson (G Squadron, Wanganui), Captain Preston and Frontiersman Hewitt (I Squadron, Wellington), Frontiersman Furniss (H Squadron. Heretaunga), Captain Ricketts and Lieutenant Scott (M Squadron, Eltham), Captain Mowett, Sergeant South v Orr and Stanley (N Squadron, Palmerston North) ; Captain Bennett and Frontiersman Hibberd (Q Squadron, Nelson), Captain Boyer (S Squadron, Waverley), • Lieutenant Raddon (V Squadron, Christchurch), Lieutenant Rathbone (Timaru Troop), Lieutenant W. Miller, Frontiersmen A. F. C. Guest and W., Lowe (Napier Troop). . Last night the visiting delegates were the guests of the R (Dunedin) Squadron at a social at headquarters. The conference continued throughout today,’ and to-night a reunion will be held in the Wilson Hall, King street. A united church parade will be held tomorrow morning, when all frontiersmen will assemble at R Squadron’s headquarters and march to- St. Paul’s Cathedral. At the conclusion of the service the parade, headed by the Otago Trumpet and Bugle Band, will march to the ■' Queen’s Gardens, where a wreath will be placed on the soldiers’ memorial. Visiting frontiersmen and members of R Squadron will assemble at headquarters at 1.30 p.m. to-morrow and then leave for a motor drive to Warrington.