LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 227, 23 August 1935, Page 11

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

VISIT BY FOUNDER. CAPTAIN ROGER POCOCK. The City Council Chamber presented an unusual spectacle last- night when the attractive uniforms of the Legion of Frontiersmen figured prominently in a company which had assembled to extend a civic welcome to Captain Roger Pocock, the founder of the legion. Prior to entering tlie council chamber, Captain Pocock had the pleasure of renewing acquaintanceship with two fellow troopers of his days with the North-West Mounted Police, Corporal G. Smith, of I. Squadron, AVellington, who holds the rank of King’s Corporal—a rankawarded by the King for exceptional bravery—and Air J. Russell, of Dannevirke. , , , To Captain J. H. Mewett, leader of N. Squadron, fell the honour of introducing Captain Pocock to the Mayor (Air A. E. Alansford) and company. He explained that the founder of the legion was making a world lour and, after visiting the various squadrons in New Zealand, would proceed to Canada. “Captain Pocock,” added the speaker, “lias been a soldier, pioneer, miner; indeed everything that a frontiersman could be, and his hie has been one lot of hardship and adventure—a life which appealed to our own adventurous spirits in our boyhood days.” . In extending a welcome to Captain Pocock on behalf of the. citizens of Palmerston North, the Mayor detailed tlie life career of the visitor, stating that as a young man Captain I ooock had found the usual vocations to ho of little attraction and had set out to lead a life of adventure. Originally a member of the North-AVest Mounted Police, Captain Pocock had left the service in 1885 on account of severe frostbite to the feet and ill the ensuing years had followed 30 trades and callings connected with adventure. Despite his disability, Captain Pocock had-seen service in South Africa and it was oil his return to England after a later trip abroad in search of fresh adventure that he had decided to form the organisation which was now known as the Legion of Frontiersmen. During the period 1905 to 1914 he had written more than one book with adventurous themes. When the Great AA’ar had broken out Captain Tocock had joined up with a battery in England, but had not been allowed to go overseas with his unit, and he had had to be content with serving on the lines of communication in France. He sincerely trusted that Captain Pocock would find his tour an enjoyable one and, further, that lie would find the work of the legion to be progressing as satisfactorily as possible. As one of the Empire’s sons lie extended to Captain Pocock a very warm and sincere welcome On rising to reply, Captain Pocock was greeted with sustained acclamation. He recounted tlie steps lie had taken to secure leave of absence from Charterhouse, London, and the obstacles negotiated. The board of management had left the matter in the hands of the chairman (the Archbishop of Canterbury) and, after consultation with General Smuts, who was then in England and who was a good friend of the legion, the neces-

sary' leave was granted. Passing to the work of the legion, the speaker stated that the defence authorities in New Zealand wero more kindly and friendly to the movement than the other Dominions and he sincerely hoped that the legion would bo allowed to fall in behind them in time of danger or on the occasion of anv calamity. The legion was not a political organisation, but was merely here to serve in the defence of the civil population to avert panic, etc. In the Home Command the legion had already been allotted its duties, but in the Dominions it had still to earn them.

Later, Captain Pocock addressed the members of N. Squadron in their own club rooms, leaving for Napier and Gisborne to-day.