GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 290, 6 November 1929, Page 9

GOVERNOR’S FAREWELL.

MESSAGE TO EX-SOLDIERS. LESSONS LEARNED IN WAR. WELLINGTON, Nov. 2. The Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson, has sent the following letter to the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association: —“I am particularly glad of the opportunity afforded me of sending a message to my comrades of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, as my term of office is nearing its end. “My predecessor, Earl Jellicoe, in a former message, reminded you- that the underlying object of the association is to keep alive the spirit and the realisation of the nobility of service and self-sacrifice, and to foster that spirit in the ordinary, every-day life of the community : In other words, to put into practice in peace time the lessons of comradeship and good fellowship which we learned during the years of war. “On many occasions in my meetings with different branches of the association, I have tried to emphasise this as part of our objects and aims, as an incentive to encourage us to maintain and enlarge our membership in such an association. These are the main objects, quite apart from the pleasure and advantage which ive ourselves derive from companionship and social gatherings:—Firstly, the help which we can be to those who have suffered in one way or another from the war. Secondly, the example and leading which we can give to the community at large. “We can, in fact, if we realise our powers and responsibilities, be an immense factor for good in the country, especially in relation to the generation of young people now growing up. As the years go on we old soldiers will feel more and more the value of close comradeship and of mutual help and co-operation. The stronger our numbers the greater the influence we shall be able to wield and the more good we shall be able to do. I therefore appeal to you to hold together, to keep up a high standard of integrity and good conduct, and _ to guard jealously the good name which the association has earned and now enjoys. “I shall always be proud of the badge which the New Zealand Association presented to me. I count it an honour to wear it, and it will always remind me of -the kindness and goodwill which you have extended to me. I wish God-speed and good luck to you all.”