HON. W. PERRY, M.L.C.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 100, 28 March 1939, Page 2

HON. W. PERRY, M.L.C.

Hon. William Perry, who will speak in the Opera House on Thursday night, as the president of the New Zealand Defence .League, is a striking example of a young New Zealander devoting much of his time and means to the service ot his country and his fellows. Very early in his career he offered his services for the Wellington City Council and although not elected he has continued to interest himself in many of the civic activities of his home city. As a young man he was a prominent figure in the field of sport (principally cricket and Rugby football), becoming finally a member of the Rugby Union. As such, he was selected to travel to Australia as the manager of the New Zealand University team that visited there prior to the war During the 1914-1918 conflict Mr Perry served as a lieutenant in the Wellington Infantry Battalion, earning his commission while a member of the forces. As a result of wounds received, lie suffered the loss of his right arm. This, however, has in no way dampened fiis ardour to serve his follows (even at great sacrifices to himself) or his enthusiasm for sport in all its branches. He has held and still holds a responsible position connected with the Law Society. In the Returned Soldiers’ Association ho was for a time president of the’ Wellington branch whence he qualified for a jwsition on the New Zealand Executive on which ho serv- | ed until the elevation of Hon. Mr Justice i Smith to the Bench. Mr Perry then beicame the Dominion vice-president of the association, a position he held until a few years ago when Sir Andrew Russell resigned the Dominion presidency. Mr Perry was unanimously elected to succeed Sir Andrew and he still occupies that high office. On the sports side Mr Perry has been president of his own bowling Club (Eastbourne) and president of the Wellington Bowling Centre. Of recent years Mr Perry has devoted himself unstintingly to the need which in his mind exists for strong and immediate measures for the adequate defence of our Dominion. Ho has already travelled to various centres advocating this necessity, and at the present time is engaged upon a tour that includes Palmerston North where he is to speak on Thursday evening. Those who know Mr Perry best describe him as the “plain blunt man’’ of Shakespeare’s creation. He is conscientious in all his beliefs and courageous in all bis actions. It is indeed stimulating to reflect that wo have young New Zealanders of his calibre who' assiduously strive for their ideal, who have the same steadfast purpose, who are prepared to make personal sacrifice and suffer inconvenience in earnest endeavours to respond to the urge that flows from love of country. The Garrison Band will render a short musical programme outside the Opera House at 7.30 as a prcludo to the address.