LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 6, 5 December 1932, Page 10

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN

SQUADRON HOLDS REUNION. ENJOYABLE EVENING SPENT. There was a pleasant reunion in the Broadway .Lounge on Saturday ing when the Manawatu (■N / ! Squadron of tho Legion ot x.. ontiers- j men held their annual garnering. , Captain R. Allen, officer commanding “iV' exjuadron, associated with Lieui. J’. G. Bungay, presided over a large attendance winch included members ot the Manawatu Sixth Mounted itines, visiting squadrons and the iollowmg other visitors: Colonel C. H. Vickeridge (Hawera), oliicer commanding tor New Zealand; Major J. C. Fincuater (Hawera), headquarters staff; Captain R. Pike (New Plymouth), Lieutenant , D. Curhaui, M.C. (Wanganui), Fion-j tiersman It. Gay, Captain Nicol and j Lieutenant McMasters (Wellington, | “1” Squadron). Captain Allen extended a welcome to tile men, remarking that it was the fourth function of the kind. The loyal toast was then honoured. The toast of “''Hie HUGO’’ was proposed by Major Findlater, who- said that no" gathering of Legionnaires was complete without the .honouring <>t tin’s solemn toast. Coup.ed with the toast was that of the late Frontiersmen J. King and Griessler, members of the aero section of the Wellington Squadron who were killed in the recent aeroplane smash near Wellington. Major Findlater said that of the 9000 Frontiersmen who had given their lives in the war 1500 came from Australia and New Zealand, which he considered to bo a very fair percentage. The toast was fittingly honoured, a brief silence of remembrance being observed. Lieutenant P. A. Warren proposed the toast of the visiting squadrons of the Legion and expressed pleasure at the large attendance. The increasing activities of the Legion, lie iiopeu, would mean the furtnerunce of interest between squadrons. Frontiersman Gay, Colonel R. Pike and Lieutenant Durham responded. I lie toast ot “New Zealand Headquarters” was proposed by Captain iMcols, who said that the services of. headquarters men should be appreciated. Ho appealed tor loyally to them by'the Legionnaires. Colonel Vickendge, in reply, expressed pleasure at being able to attend the function. The duties of the men at headquarters were arduous, but, thanks to the loyalty shown, they were pleasant. He welcomed Lieutenant Pike, one of the Legion’s most prominent men. To younger men, lie made an appeal not to lose the traditions of the Region, which depended not on mass formation, but on the individuals. The Commandant-Gen-eral in London had advised him by letter of the Legion's progress and jncreasing service to the country. The speaker congratulated "N” Squadron who were “making haste slowly.” The Squadron • liad to be thanked for Frontiersman Fraser, who had given splendid service, and also for Lieutenant Warren, who was doing a wonderful work for the Legion in New Zealand. Pleasure at the company of the -Mounted Rifies was expressed by the speaker. The relationship between the Legion and Defence Force in most towns was being slowly concreted and it behoved frontiersmen to show the young men that they lived not for self but the country and the Empire at large. In New Zealand good progress was being effected. there was a squadron at Nelson; hope for one in Canterbury and Heretaunga; the Napier squadron had beeu re-formed and the Wellington squadron had 33 new members. The work of the headquarters staff was growing, but this gathering was considered a privilege —to meet the men individually.

Quartermaster-Sergeant J. Louisson proposed the toast of the Sixth Mounted Hides. The Legion had worked in well with the Mounted Rifles, he said. Sergeant-Major J. Perigo replied, and said it was hoped to reciprocate the compliments extended to them. the evening entertainment was contributed by Messrs L. Flowers (ventriloquism). A. V. Pizzey (songs), F. Gedson (xylophone), C. Bergersen (saxophone). A. Sundborn (steel guitar) and J. Penman and J. Wilson (entertainers). Mr I. Speight was at the piano and community singing was also enjoyed. A Wellington radio station also broadcast a special programme of war songs for the occasion).

Apologies were voiced for Captain Hardie (Wanganui Squadron). Captain G. M. McCaskill (Permanent Staff). Sergeant-Major Holmes (Rifle Brigade). Frontiersman Whitehead and Mr B. J. Jacobs (president of the Palmerston North R.S.A.). Pride of place on the table was given to two beautifully iced cakes. One had been donated by Mrs Bangav and was iced in the form of the Lesion's badge, while members of “X” Squadron had donated the other.