WAR’S WRECKAGE.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVIII, Issue 10742, 13 November 1928, Page 3

WAR’S WRECKAGE.

Mil. COATES S APPEAL ON BEHALF OF SICK SOLDIERS.

WE MUST STICK BY OUR “DIGGER” COMRADES.”

(Special To The Times). WELLINGTON, Nov. il

“We must not let our colleagues down, arid it is up to all of us who are “Diggers” to see that the chap who is now feeling the eiiects of the war service is fixed up,” said the Prime Minister (Mr. Coates), at a dinner tendered him by the Masterton ' Returned Soldiers’ Association on Saturday night. “Wo must be able to say that, in our day, we stuck by our “Digger” comrades. There are fellows ground the country now, suffering from nervous strain and 'general debility; they are not saying much about it, and we have got to get hold of them. That is not a job .one man can do; it is the job for every returned soldier. Find the man; have his case investigated by the Jodal returned soldiers’ association and send the particulars to general headquarters. I know that in the majority of the cases, the doctors are not prepared to say the cracking up is due to war service. I am asking the country to stand behind us in looking after these men. It may be that a home will be required and I know that every right-thinking person in the country will support us in any action we may take. Get hold ot the case and I give you my assurance the government will not be unsympathetic. The Prime Ministers straight out appeal as “Digger” to “Digger” reached the hearts of the men who were his hosts. Introduced by the chairman Mr. T. Jordan, Mayor of Master ton, and himself a returned soldier, as the chief “Digger” in the land, Mr. Coates was given ovation alter ovation. but none so sincere as when he closed his appeal to the men to once more stick together to help out the cases to which he referred. Mr •lordan said they all knew that the Prime Minister relished a battle and the ex-servicemen ‘ of the Wairarana congratulated him on having come through the election fight unscath ' ! in spite of the gas'shells and smoke bombs, which had been hurled at him. . .

Proposing the Prime Minister s health. Brigadier-General H. E. Hart said Mr. Coates was one of themselves. for he had I’ved in the same mud and had gone through the same experiences as thev had. He had Seen a brilliant officer and he had held the affection of tlm men who had served under him. It was impossible for any man to have gone through such experiences in France without having had his mind broadened by contact with men arawu ‘roin every section of the community. It gave an experience impossible of attainment otherwise. The result, so far as the Prime Minister . was concerned, was to be seen in his administration of the affairs of New Zealand. He was a man who knew his mind, who was prepared to say what he thought and he did not care if he wrecked his political career, so 'ong as he did justice to every socton of the community. It was nncossib’p (to iplea-sp everybody and Yfr. Coates was not the man to be disappointed if be could not do timt The toast was drunk with musical honors and, although the Prune Minister had been told that, in view -f the fact that he had had a strenuous time that day and had another big meeting that night, lie won'cl not be expected to reply, he told fhoni that, while his voice was a little fraved at the edges, he must i Panic them for their hospitality and for their kind references fo him. “Don’t. get_ the idea that my performances m the held are woith ta'k’ng about,” be said. “Thev were not as good as those of nine Jen' of the other fellows. I was a bit 'nekv; that’s all. Mr. Coates then went on to nmke his appeal for assistance in getting up'd of the men who were now feeling the strain and. at the close ot +h e function, he mingled with tie men. while ethers took down chairs +o the ha.U where they occupied front rows for the nnblin meeting.