AMONG OLD COMRADES

New Zealand Times, Volume LII, Issue 12285, 3 November 1925, Page 5

AMONG OLD COMRADES

JD3R COATES JOYOUSLY RECEIVED “HEP THE COUNTRY ALONG” RETURNED MEN’S DUTY (By Telegraph—“ Times” Special Reporter.) j AUCKLAND, November 2. The respect and the extraordinary regard in which the Prime Minister is held by those who served with him in the sphere in which men are tried most severely—the war sphere—was well exemplified in Auckland to-night, when Mr Coates attended a reunion and a complimentary dinner of the First Battalion of the Auckland Regiment. The gathering received Mr GJoates with cheers, cheered and .applauded him throughout and farewelled him with still more cheering, after carrying him shoulder-high from the supper room up the stairs to the place where , he had left his hat and coat. Lient.-Colonel R. O. Allen, who presided, proposed the toast pf “Our distinguished guest, Major Gordon Coates, the Prime Minister of New Zealand;” The mere mention of the name evoked cheers, and it was some time before the proposer could proceed with his speech. Mf Rogerson/ who seconded, ' said that by his behaviour throughout his Seriod at the front Mr Coates had eneared himself to the whole battalion. Rising, amidst another outburst of cheering, Mr Coates, in addressing the assemblage as “comrades,” asked those present not to “make it too hot.” He thanked the soldiers for the kindly thought which had prompted them to arrange the function. It was pleasing to see so many of one’s old friends present, men who had helped him day in and day out. As a matter of fact there were men present who taught him his job. "ROOM FOR AJA. SHADES” Mr Coates said That someone that evening had mentioned the name of Mr Holland. A voice: Give him C. 8.! Mr Coates: No; there is room for all shades of political opinion, so long as we regard these things as a family squabble, but when it gets beyond that it is a matter of standing together. Although the war was over there was quite a lot to be done yet. He ■ had been elected to lead the Government, and was trying to do his best. He was trying to be perfectly fair, and to help his country all he could There might be several ways of doing, it, bat the thing was to help the country along. We had very high Srinciples in this country and let us eep them before us. < “You and I have a duty to perform,” he continued. “We must make certain we seo to it that if we know of any of our comrades wlio require assistance that we make representations to those who can give them relief. There are many walking about who aro too proud to ask for assistance. We should never forget they were comrades of ours. Soldiers are the last to ‘squeal,’ and it is a terrible job to find out what really is t\the trouble. Having been comrades once, let us hope we can render assistance where it is necessary. “WE HAVE HIGH IDEALS” “To a great extent New Zealand’s future will rest in the hands of the soldiers who fought our battles in the war. We belong to a race that has institutions of great value. We have high ideals, and you, gentlemen, have had a great deal to do in maintaining them. We should see that the country which is ours is kept free, clear of influences which do not emanate from the stock we tpring from. Often f wonder as I move about the country that those who are not our friends do not endeavour to como in and take what we should have for our own use. If our little country is worth keeping until we reach the ideal of laying dou'n arms let lis, in our own quiet way, be prepared to meet eventualities. There are possibilities that very few people realise, and it is up to us to see that our kiddies are guaranteed sufficient security against anything that comes along. We do not want anything extravagant, but wo simply want you to stick up your props in defence of what is youm. REPATRIATION “Some of our men have not done ' eo well as others, but they need not bo down-hearted, as all—including Parliament —are anxious to give these men an opportunity of making good ”