“DARK SKIES”

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVI, Issue 21380, 24 June 1939, Page 21

“DARK SKIES”

Defence of Dominion Vice-Regal Appeal Returned Soldiers’ Part “You are the link between the pas and the present. You are the link be cause your are the survivors of the las time a call was made for defence ser vice, and you have an undoubted in fluence in defence.” With these word his E icellency the Governor-Genera (Lord Galway) appealed for suppor for the Dominion's defence proposal to the delegates from blanches of th. New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ As sociation who met in conference ii Wellington this week. His Excellency said that he was gla< to be able to declare the annual con ference of the New Zealand Returnee Soldiers’ Association open once more but his attendance was tinged witl regret because it was the last time hi would meet representatives of the as sociation in conference. By the tinu the next conference was held his tern as Governor-General would have expired and he would be back in th( Home Country. “But I will not forge: my association with the returned soldiers of New Zealand,” he added, “no: the hearty welcome you have alway: given me to your meetings. You havi ray most cordial good wishes that youi deliberations will be successful and ol value to returned soldiers. Help for Recruiting "May I ask you to use all your influence, and you have a great influence, to help the recruiting movement,’ he said. “You are the link between the past and the present . . . and you have an undoubted influence in defence. “The skies are dark in Europe, and all through the Empire an attempt is being made to strengthen our defences —in the Dominions as well as the Home Country. We all hope another call to service will not have to be made. If we have strength we are not likely to be called upon to take up arms.” (Applause.) “It is no use attempting to deny that times are very serious,” his Excellency added, “and we must do everything possible to enhance the strength of our defences and put our house in order. You have an enormous influence in persuading young men to take their place in the defence scheme.” Training for the young men of the country was important, his Excellency said, because modern arms were technically much in advance of those used in the last war. Modern arms were so complicated that their use could not be learned at a moment’s notice. Training was essential and that was why the returned soldiers of New Zealand could use their great influence to see that the country secured the required number of recruits. His Excellency declared the conference open. Departure Regretted The Dominion president of the association (the Hop. W. Perry, M.L.C.) thanked his Excellency for opening the conference, and said the Prime Minister and the Minister of Defence, who had intended to be present, had been unable to do so because an Executive Council meeting was being held at 11 a.m. The delegates regretted that his Excellency, her Excellency, and their family were to leave New Zealand before another R.S.A. conference was held, and they hoped they would be spared for many years, not only to enjoy their - return- to their home, but also to have pleasant recollections of the five years spent in New Zealand. His Excellency’s remarks about defence had been heard by very receptive ears, Mr. Perry said, and they would be remembered when one of the important matters set down for discussion—defence—was being considered. Welcome to The delegates were welcomed to Wellington by the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop) ) who said this was the eighth year in which he had had the pleasure and privilege of welcoming old comrades to the N.Z.R.S.A. conference. Each year he looked round for signs of advancing years, and each year he only saw evidence that the earlier virility that had enabled them to establish records overseas was still implanted on their faces and in their figures. The delegates were there to discuss matters affecting returned soldiers throughout New Zealand, and the£ could look back on a year of considerable achievement. This year, said the Mayor, they were all beginning to feel the influence of the approaching Centennial of New Zealand. In the year to come they would all have to do their part to make the celebrations a success, and he was glad to know that the R.S.A. would be represented at the Centennial Exhibition through the display of work by disabled men which was being prepared by the Soldiers’ Civil Reestablishment League. Mr Hislop- invited the delegates to visit the site of the Exhibition while they were in Wellington, and offered to make arrangements for their conveyance to Rongotai and to have them conducted around the Exhibition buildings. Mr Perry said he was sure the delegates would give favourable consideration to the Mayor’s offer, especially as they were offered free transport there and back. The last time they had received free transport was when they were in the Army, and on that occasion they had not been guaranteed a return ticket.