Ex-Soldiers and Defence

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 145, 22 June 1939, Page 7

Ex-Soldiers and Defence

LINK BETWEEN THE PAST AND PRESENT Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, June 21. “You arc a link between tho past and tho present. You are a link because you are the survivors of the last time a call was made for defence service, and you have an undoubted influence in defence,’’ said tho Governor-General, Viscount Galway, when addressing the Returned Soldiers’ Association conference. He said he was glad to declare the conference open once more, llis attendance was tinged with regret, because it would be tho last time lie would meet representatives of the association in conference, as his term as Governor was expiring. He would not forget his association with the returned soldiers of New Zealand, nor the hearty welcome always him to meetings. “x\lay I ask you to use all your in lluence to help the recruiting movement, ’’ he said. “The skies are dark in Europe, and all through the Empire an attempt is being made to strengthen defences. If we have strength we are not likely to be called upon to take up arms. ’ ’ He emphasised the importance of training youi%g men because modern arms were so complicated that their use could not be learned at a moment’s notice. The delegates were welcomed to Wellington by the Mayor, Mr. T. <J. As Hirlop, who made reference to the celebrating of the Centennial. They all have to do a part to make the celebrations a success. He was glad U know that the association would be represented at the Exhibition through a display of the work of disabled men through the Soldiers’ Civil Re-establish-ment League. He invited them to visit the Exhibition site, offering to make arrangements for their conveyance.