LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 16721, 23 April 1920, Page 4

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN.

TARANAKI (L) SQUADRON. SECOND ANNUAL CONFERENCE. Tho Taranaki (L) Squadron of Frontiersmen held their second annual conference at Okato on Thursday afternoon, when delegates were present from tlie Paritutu, Lgmont, Parihaka, North Taranaki, Inglewood and Awakino troops. The mooting was presided over by Lieut.-Colonel Weston, D.S.O. There were also present: Lieutenants Goldsworthy, C. (J., Gilbert, Fraser Jones, Standish, Wright, Scrgt.-Major Hunter, Sergeant. MacKenzie, Scoutmaster Humphrey. Sergeant 11. M. Kitchingliam, Frontiersmen Armstrong, Pugh, J. U. Thompson, Sob', Metier, Ducker, W. Smith, Sampson, Gill, and D. Fox. Apologies for absence wore - received from Lieutenants J. Jones and Racon. The balance-sheet showed that subseriptions'amoimted to *£4B Bs, subscriptions forwarder! to headquarters £1) 12 s Gd, and that there remained a creditbalance of £ J IGs 3d. In moving tho adoption of tho report and balance-shoot, Lieut.-Colonel Weston said that the year’s working had proved highly successful, and the squadron was growing by leap* and hounds. Troops could congratulate upon the quality of tho members. During the year lie. had the pleasure of inspecting many of the troops. Sometimes the question was asked, what were tho objects of the Legion? Well, slight changes had taken place in that respect, everything in life changed. In view of the annual conference which would be held at New Plymouth shortly there was no occasion for him to go into that matter at present, as the object of the Legion would bo fully discussed. Tho question of uniforms would also be' dealt with by the conference. Tho motion was seconded by Scrgt.Major Hunter and carried. The election of squadron officer resulted in Lieut.-Colonel Weston being re-elected unopposed, and it was also decided amidst hearty applause that he remain in that oflico during his pleasure. It was announced that tho Dominion Conference would bo held on the 23rd, 21th and 25th of June, when there was sure to bo a vufy large attendance. Lieut.-Colonel Weston said that in order to give the visitors a good impression of Taranaki and a lasting remembrance, of their visit all must do their best to entertain them Tielittingly. It bad been suggested that tho visitors be taken up to Mount Kpmont as well as many other places of Interest. Also that a dinner bo held on Juno 24. Ho would like to bear the views of Comrades as to further suggestions of entertainment.

Incut, Goldsworthy reported that he had arranged accommodation for 50 visitors, and if more was required he would have to be advised at an early date.

A delegate said that as far as the mountain trip was concerned ho knew that the delegates from the Wairarapa were very anxious to do the trip. It was decided to hold a dinner and to pay a visit to Mount Egmout. A levy of £1 per memhei was struck to cover expenses in connection with the conference. Lieut.-Colonel Weston said that it was not at all likely that another annua) conference would bo held in New Plymouth for many years to come, therefore every effort should be made to make the forthcoming ono a success from every point of view. Ho might also mention that an invitation had boon extended for the attendance of members at Pukeknra Park during tho visit of tho Prince of Wales. Some mouthers were of opinion that as there were many who did not possess uniforms, all should parade in mufti. Lieut. (loldsworthy said that first impressions were often lasting ones, and ho would ho sorry to see, a parade that would fail to givo a favourable impression. It was decided that under tho conditions no action be taken.

Lieut.-Colonel Weston said that in the past it had been the custom to charge only 7s 6d for membership, but that was through an oversight. In future 10s should bo charged.

It was resolved that the Taranaki Budget be appointed the official organ of tho Taranaki squadron.

Lieut. Goldsworthy moved and Frontiersman Armstrong seconded, that a remit he forwarded to the conference that the association bo registered as a co-operative body. At present, if in the event of a member misconducting himself and it was decided to expel him, there was no legal way of recovering tho badge of tho Legion, and lio could continue to wear it and defy tho Legion. A delegate suggested that they take upon themselves the business of recovering the badge from an undesirable member. (Laughter.)

It was resolved that the remit ho sent and that if a satisfactory reply was not received the matter be left to tho squadron hcadquarers to deal with.

Tlio following remit was forwarded by the Kgmont Troop; “That it bo an endeavour by every present member of tho Legion to induce at least ono more man to join, and that tho proposer bo personally responsible regarding suitability of character. Scoutmaster Humphrey said that at present tho ago of members joining the League was 25 years. Personally ho knew of several fine young men who had seen three to four years’ active service, And they had not reached tho necessary age to join tho Legion. It was pointed out that returned soldiers could join irrespective of age. Frontiersman Thompson brought up tho matter of each League keeping a roll of honour of all frontiersmen who had made the supreme sacrifice l . He moved in that direction. Tho motion, which was -warmly supported, was seconded by Lieut. Goldsworthy and carried. On the motion of Lieut. Mellor and Frontiersman Standish it was resolved to forward the following remit: “That where Legions arc affiliated with rifle clubs a challenge cup he presented for competition, and that it bo open to all members of rifle clubs.’’

A incmhiT explained that such a stop would have been taken before, but owing to tho difficulty of obtaining rifles' it was impracticable. However, that drawback would be overcome in the very near future. , It was decided that tho term of probation for a member he reduced from six months to three.

The Egmont, Troop forwarded the following remit: “That a paper be published in tho interests of the League, and. that the New Zealand

League be asked to take steps in that direction.”—Carried. , Frontiersman Mellor moved, and Lieutenant Kitchingham seconded, that the following remit bo forwarded: ‘‘That a Legion anthem bo adopted for use at Legion functions.”—Seconded by .Scrgt, Kitchingham and carried. ' 'When discussing tho question of uniforms Lieut.-Colonel "Weston explained that at the present time it was impossible to obtain khaki. However, tho matter would bo fully discussed at tho conference, and it "would be then seen whether any assistance could bo given in procuring them. A member mentioned the present high cost of leggings and suggested that permission bo given to wear putties. He pointed out that at the present time it cost members between £9 and ,£lO for equipment. Although it was most desirable to have a uniformity of appearance, the heavy expense to members should be. considered. Lieut.-Colonel "Weston said that for his part lie would prefer to leave the matter over for discussion at the conference. That course was agreed to. In connection with the" supply of pocket books, buttons and crests, lieutenants were requested to make their wants known, and a supply would bo procured. Lieut, Goldsworthy said that at the invitation of Scoutmaster Humphrey he bad paid a visit to the Inglewood troop and ho had been astounded at tho proficiency of tho lads. They "drilled as one man, and they were also busily engaged in making" numerous useful articles out of benzine tins—the only material at their disposal. In fact, the lads were out on their own. Ho could assure comrades that a visit to the troop would prove an eye-opener to them, and a most agreeable surprise. "While on that subject be would like to mention that arrangements were now in hand to hold a benefit entertainment for the New Plymouth troop, and it was hoped to secure the hearty co-operation and support of frontiersmen. Licut.-Colonel "Weston and -Scout Chaplain Archdeacon Evans had promised their hearty support, also many others who took an interest in the Scout movement. An endeavour would bo made to equip a gymnasium for tho boys. A number of members present promised their support. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Lieut, Fraser Jones (Egmont Troop) for the excellent manner in which tho members of the League had been entertained.

The meeting then terminated.