RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 April 1916, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

•MEETING AT NEW PLYMOUTH, A TARANAKI BADGE. A meeting of returned soldiers wa» held at the Town Hall last night, when Captain F. Hartnell presided over a (air attendance.

The question of a badge for returned soldiers was brought up by Private W. Okey, who said that the men did not wish to wear the badge issued lay the Government, and he thought the majority of the returned men were in favor of a small badge such as had been issued at Auckland and at Wellington, Captain Hartnell thought there should be a recognised badge for men throughout Taranaki.

It was decided to appoint a committee to go into the matter. Captain Hartnell was appointed chairman, and 'Private Noel Handing secretary, with a committee consisting of Sergeant W. Okey, Corporal Len. Ford, Private* C, Plimin, X. Howell, and Amos. , The opinion was generally expressed that the Government badge was unsuit- i able, and it was unanimously agreed to adopt a badge apart from the Government badge. It was decided to have designs submitted.

A SOLDIERS' CLUB. Captain Hartnell brought up the (]uw» tion of a Soldiers' Club, which had been up by the Mayoress, and while the Xew Plymouth Club had generously given soldiers the use of its ehibrooms it was felt that soldiers should have a club of their own, Money was now being .laised for a club, but no arrangements for a building had yet been made. The Mayoress wished to provide the sol. dieis with what they' needed, and "the men should make suggestions. After some discussion it wus decided to convey to the Mayoress that it was the wish of returned soldiers to have a club, and appreciation ivas expressed)of what is being done by the ladies for returned soldiers.

A vote of thanks was passed to the New Plymouth Club for its. generosity in granting honorary membership to ail soldiers in uniform