ANNUAL REUNION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 177, 27 June 1938, Page 11

ANNUAL REUNION

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN. DOMINION DELEGATES MEET. Representatives of the New Zealand Command of the Legion of Frontiersmen, drawn from all parts of the Dominion, who were in Palmerston North-on Saturday for their annual 'conference, held a reunion in the evening. The function was most enjoyable in every way. Members of the Manawatu Squadron were hosts, and visitors expressed appreciation of the hospitality, extended to them. Commandant J. C. Findlater (Hawera) presided, and with him were Major W. Ricketts, D.C.M. (Eltham), Captain J. E. 11. Mewett, 0.8. E., M.C. (Palmerston North), Captain P. A. Warren (Palmerston North), Lieutenant J. L. C. Merton, M.C. (Palmerston North), Major J. T. Bosworth, Mr J. Hodgens, M.P., Mr J. A. Nash, Mr G. Tremaine (deputyMayor), and Mr J. S. Jenkinson (Chief of the Manawatu Scottish Society). During the proceedings Com.manrlant Findlater had been re-elect-ed commandant for a further term of three years, and when he was escorted to the chair with due ceremony by two pipers he was received with enthusiastic applause. . :/ Following the loyal toast, proposed by the chairman, Frontiersman It. E. Taylor (Auckland) proposed the toast “The Nine Thousand.’’ He said he was proud to be associated with an organisation which had so readily responded to the, call to arms in 1914, and to the 9000 who had made the supreme sacrifice too great a tribute could not be paid. 1 The toast was honoured in silence, and Lieutenant D. Keay sounded The Last Post and Reveille. The toast of “The Army, Navy, and Air Service” was entrusted to Frontiersman McAlister, who expressed gratification at the fact that Britain was once again rearming. The disarmament policy of a few years ago had net proved the example to the world That had been hoped for, and now Britain was ready, which, after all, was the biggest hope for world peace. Captain Mewett replied on behalf of the Army, stating that the legion stood for patriotism to the Empire. “We are out. to foster the spirit of Empire,” he added, “and our belief 'is that if we foster that spirit and if We stand prepared the chance of being involved in war will be lessened.” He appealed for the full encouragement of military training towards this end.

Flying-Officer F. L. Truman replied on behalf of the Air Force, and Sergeant Wallace (Masterton) on behalf of the Navy. ■ They endorsed the remarks of Captain Mewett. “The Veterans” were toasted on the call of the chairman, who said that wonderful traditions had been handed down by the soldiers of old. “They have left to us a duty to commemorate the spirit of Empire which was theirs,” he said. Responding, Major Bosworth said that he could not but admire the fine spirit of loyalty to King and country displayed by the legion. “We may be called veterans,” he added with a smile, “but if the occasion arose I think we could call out in Palmerston North enough old-timers to make a decent company.” (Applause.) Captain W. Taylor (Hastings) proposed the toast of “Headquarters,” stating that khe legion was fortunate in having at the helf men of ability and filled with the enthusiastic spirit of patriotism. BULWARK FOR PEACE.

• The commandant said that lie appreciated suen a compliment. “We stand,” lie added, “for all that is best in Empire tradition and prepared though we are we stand as a bulwark lor peace.” The New Zealand unit was one of the strongest in the Empire j it was growing every day and big things were looked for in the future. “If the call is urgent and the Empire is in danger we are ready,” lie concluded amid applause. The toast “The Visitors” was proposed by Captain W. Bush (Auckland), who referred eulogisticaliy to the interest in the legion displayed by local bodies and the Government. He mentioned the interest in defence matters shown by the Minister (Hon. F. Jones). Mr Hodgens said that he counted the invitation to be present as a privilege and a responsibility. As member for the district he realised the duty which fell to him, and lie felt it was fitting at such a gathering, where duty was the watchword, to pay tribute to the man who for 17 years, before his term of office, had as member carried out bis duties with sympathy and self-sacrifice. (Applause). “I refer to Mr J. A. Nash,” Mr Hodgens said, “who has a splendid sense of duty.” The speaker was enthusiastic in his reference to the legion and concluded by thanking the proposer for Ills reference to the Minister, who was indeed behind the legion. Mr Tremaine said that it was his privilege to represent the City Council in the unavoidable absence of the Mayor. The legion was a splendid organisation and Palmerston North was proud that the organisation was so strongly represented in the city. He expressed the hope that delegates would enioy their stay. “Absent Comrades” (those not able to be present) was a toast proposed by Captain S. Boyer (TVaverlew) and to by Captain Parsons ''Auckland): while other, toasts honoured were “The T adics,” “The Entertainers” and “The Press.” Tteriis mere contributed by Lieutenant D. Keay (cornet solos).. S. Toon (vocal solos), the Huia Straight Eight (vneal items), E. Short (recitations). H. Pi era rd (songs), the Manawatu Scottish Society’s Pipe Band. Messrs Clmnmnn Bros, (corned'- numbers) and A. Sundbov 1 ’ and T\. Burke (steel giptai items). Mr Toon Ted a community sing a'nd as aecnmnanists Messrs _F. McLachlnn and I. Speight contributed to the of +be» PVOTMTI2. TROPHIES PRESENTED. Silver pioneer axes, the highest honour which can be conferred m New Zealand Legion circles, were presented to Lieutenant A. Klee (Dunedin), and Frontiersmen C. Cairncross (Eltham) and R. Allen (Palmerston North). The commandent presented cups won during the year as followD’Fsterre Cup (best shooting average): M. Squadron, Eltham (Captain Rush) Andrews Cup (runners up): N. Souadrqn. Manawatu (Captain Mewett), Memorial Cup (team shoot): A Squadron. (Auckland (Captain Parsons), Weston Cun ('miniature rffle shnotincO : ' • * nuadrpn, Christchurch (Captain Smith).