WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 1896. OLD WARRIORS.

Hastings Standard, Issue 198, 16 December 1896, Page 2

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 16, 1896. OLD WARRIORS.

Thkhk is something pathetic in the proposal put forth last week in 'Wellington to form an association of those who thirty or more years aero shared in the defence of the colony. The band of warriors, never formidable numerically, is being thinned out by the relentless hand of death. The young people of the present day, enjoying the perfect immunity from internal warfare, are apt to forget or rather are inclined to overlook the distinguished services rendered to the colony by those who have been awarded the New Zealand medal. The volunteers of a by-goue day were something more than mere toy soldiers for they were called upon to face as brave an enemy as ever the British soldier confronted. The New Zealand volunteers were the first of the volunteer forces of the Empire to engage in active service, and to their patience under trying circumstances, and their bravery at all times there can be no lavish of praise. It does not follow, however, that the volunteers of to-day because they exist when peace possesses the land, will be wanting in fortitude or courage should their services be required for the defence of the colony. To Mr E. Tregear is due the credit of giving practical shape to what no doubt has been in the minds of many of the old soldiers. An Association of Veterans is proposed, and it is hoped that by some sort of annual celebration the ties which bound them one to the other in a general comradeship may be renewed, and further to guard against the scandal of any of the old warriors being left to utter neglect and destitution. This form of reunion is common enough in England and it is only the other day that the veterans of the Indian mutiny met together in London to eat the Lucknow dinner and keep alive the friendships contracted over thirty years ago. The sad spectacle of weather-beaten and scarred warriors who had fought the battles of England in many a land, being permitted to swelter in destitution has been presented time and again. la Melbourne, not long ago,

a Balaclava hero was discovered in the height of his poverty, and a generous and sympathetic public quickly came to his relief and placed the old fellow in comfortable quarters, where he will spend his days in wellearned idleness and comparative ease. It would be a lasting shame if we permitted any one of the old soldiers who in the past have done such excellent services for New Zealand, to spend the last days of his life in a hopeless battle with poverty. There may be some so circumstanced to-day, if so, such an Association as is about to be formed in Wellington, will help us to discover them, and afford the public the pleasure of showing their gratitude by their generosity in t'.s.d., which alone can banish poverty from the cottage. The promoters are acting wisely in limiting the membership of the Association to those possessing the war medal. To do otherwise would be to introduce a discordant element which would be repugnant to the veterans. There are to be no honorary members, and this will keep the Association pure. The subscription will be very small to enable the old trooper and the old officer to come together. With Mr Tregear to direct affairs we have no fear as to the success of the Association, and we look upon its formation as being extremely desirable, in furnishing the younger generation with a much needed object lesson. We are so apt to forget what has been done, and to be reminded of the heroic deeds of the past will rekindle that pride of race which is none too strong in young New Zealand.