FLAG FOR TORQUAY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17338, 9 December 1919, Page 9

FLAG FOR TORQUAY.

NEW ZEALAND'S GRATITUDE. TRIBUTES TO THE TROOPS. "SOLDIERS AND GENTLEMEN." [FKOM OUB own correspondent. ] LONDON, Oct. 16. The High Commissioner, Sir Thomas Mackenzie, went down to Torquay, where he was the week-end guest of the Mayor and Mayoress, to present a New Zealand* flag to the town in recognition of the kindness and hospitality of the townspeople to New Zealand troops. There was" a full muster of men in the New Zealand discharge depot, together with comrades of the great war, and lady volunteer workers at the canteen. The ceremony, which was preceded by a reception, took place at the Town Hail where there was a civic guard of honour composed of forty employees of the cor- | poration ex-service menas. well as a guard of honour of New ■ Zealand troops, 100 strong, commanded by Major Kay and Major Maclean. Captain Edwards was in ! charge of the colour party and Lieut. J. Hill carried the flag. I The High Commissioner said he nad lately been to France and had seen the ground on which the troops had fought and it was a wonder to him that they had survived all they had had) to endure. It was also pleasant to know that a number of New Zealand people had been in Torquay in a dual capacity. A good many of them had married from this part : of Old England—(laughter)—and Major Kay, whose knowledge of ladies was, he believed very extensive-—(renewed laughter) —assured him that there would be a larger proportion of happiness in connection with the alliances made in this country than could usually be found anywhere else. That was very satisfactory, and he hoped it might be so. " There is an impression abroad that the women of New Zealand were-not anxious to welcome brides from Old England," he continued. " But I assure you that Ne.v Zealand women have organised associations to give them a hearty welcome, and thev hope this new link with the Old Country will still further cement the relationships existing between Old England and the overseas Dominions." Major W. Kay, N.Z.R.8., commandant of the New Zealand Camp, told of the choice of Torquay as a final resting place, prior to their return to the Dominion, for New Zealand men who had been broken down in the war. It was really a convalescent depots Many places were suggested and visited for the establishment of this depot, but as soon as Torquay was reached and its surroundings surveyed General Richardson said, "This is New Zealand. It will suit our men down to the ground." So tfte depot was established on May 7, 1917. "I shall never forget our reception," said Major Kay. "We came down from Portland, and those who havejjeen at Portland will appreciate the difference. We were met at the station by decorated, tramcars, and were conducted in state to Hampton House. We arrived at 3 o'clock as strangers; at 3.5 we were no longer strangers, but practically residents. Every one came to the front and took us right into their hearts and homes, with the result that some of those hearts and homes have been rendered destitute. (Laughter.) We are grateful for this hospitality. Some time ago we tried to prepare a list of people in Torquay to whom we were indebted, and at about 7,314 we lost count. It is impossible to individualise." Acknowledging the flag, which was then presented, the Mayor said the gift would ever be a reminder of those unforgetable and spknd'd things which the men of New Zealand had done for the Empire, both in time of war and in time of peace. "I do not know where we could have found men who have a better record than the New Zealand soldiers have had during their stay in Torquay. At Tottiford a number of them had shown us how to till our ground; whilst, in connection with recent labour troubles, there was not one who, outside his own profession of a soldier, was not ready to help. I am proud to hold the flag, which we shall guard and respect for all time." Finally, addressing the demobilised men. Sir Thomas wished them a bright and successful future. _ He much appreciated what had been said by Major Kay and the Mayor as to the conduct of the New Zealand soldiers whilst in the town. It gave him the deepest gratification. These men had a record from one p"d to the other of the old country for being soldiers and gentlemen, and that meant a gr*at deal to them across the water. He was sure that the relationships that had thus been established would be of enormous benefit imperially. (Applause.) At the call of Sir Thomas Mackenzie, cheers were given by the New Zealanders for the Mayor and Mayoress, and for the townspeople generally, and the proceedings closed with the singing of the National Anthem.