SOLDIER AND GENTLEMAN

Wairarapa Age, 20 May 1936, Page 5

SOLDIER AND GENTLEMAN

TRIBUTES TO SIR HERBERT HART. FAREWELL BY WAIRARAPA RETURNED MEN. LARGELY-ATTENDED GATHERING. Tributes to Sir Herbert Hart as a soldier and a gentleman were paid at a very largely-attended farewell gathering held last night by Wairarapa ex-Service men. Sir Herbert was congratulated on his appointment to the Imperial War Graves Commission and given an assurance that he would carry away with him the very best wishes of Wairarapa Diggers. Sir Herbert said that the fact that his work overseas would be mainly for those who paid the supreme sacrifice in the Great War had played a dominant part in his final decision regarding the appointment Mr. E. Sortain Smith, vice-president of the association, who presided, apologised for the absence of the president, Mr. J. H. Irving. In congratulating Sir Herbert on his important administrative appointment overseas, Mr. Smith said it was quite unnecessary for him to refer in any detail to Sir Herbert’s distinguished career. After serving in the South African War, Sir Herbert had given notable service in the Great War and following that there was his very successful administration of Western Samoa, not to mention his big game hunting exploits. "We Diggers are very proud of you Sir Herbert,” remarked Mr. Smith, "and we will not probably fully appreciate you until we lose you. You have always been sympathetic and kindly disposed to us Diggers. We all know and appreciate you as a soldier and a gentleman.” (Applause). On behalf of members of the R.S.A., Mr. Smith wished Sir Herbert and Lady Hart every success and happiness and observed: ‘‘Always be a New Zealander, Sir Herbert and wherever you go or whatever you do let it in some way reflect on New Zealand.” At the present time, he added, the British Empire was sadly in need of the services of men of the calibre of Sir Herbert Hart. He expressed the hope that Sir Herbert’s new appointment would lead to even higher and more distinguished honours. ‘ ‘ Wherever your duties take you,” he said, ‘‘we will follow you.” (Hear, hear.) Mr. Smith presented Sir Herbert with a silver cigarette case, suitably engraved, as a mark of the very great esteem in which he was held by the Wairarapa Diggers. ‘‘Whenever you use it,” he said, ‘‘think of the New Zealand Diggers and particularly those in the Wairarapa.” Sir Herbert was then accorded musical honours. Sir Herbert Hart, who was greeted with applause, expressed keen appreciation of the farewell tendered him by members of the association and of the opportunity of saying good bye to his many ex-soldier friends. He felt that the returned soldiers had done him a great honour. Particularly did he appreciate the presentation, though really he did not need anything to remind him of his pleasant association with the returned men. ‘‘l will never draw it

from my pocket without thinking of you fellows,’' he said amidst applause. It had been a great source of joy and satisfaction to him, he added, to note the attitude of returned soldiers towards his appointment. He had received letters and telegrams from returned soldiers and associations throughout the length and breadth of New Zealand. In accepting the appointment, Sir Herbert said he had felt that he would be representing New Zealand

overseas, particularly the New Zealand Division, and that he would be working for those who served in the Great War. That was the dominant factor in deciding him to aeeept it. The work would be very interesting and would take him back to many of his old haunts. In carrying out the work he

felt that he would be doing all he could for those who made the supreme sacrifice, while relatives' would know that the last resting place of soldiers would be well cared for. It was a decided wrench leaving New Zealand, but

he would go with the knowledge that he would be able to do something for the returned soldiers and those who were left behind. He regretted that he had not been able to do more for the association but he was pleased to know that the association was doing good work and trusted that it would continue- to do so. Indications were that he would be stationed in Jerusalem.

The appointment was for no definite period, so that he might be away for a long time. They could rest assured, however, that should the period of his appointment be lengthy, he would come back on holiday now and again. Conditions in Palestine seemed very troubled—he had thought he was through with trouble when he finished

with .Samoa —and it seemed as if the trouble was bound to continue for some time. Over quarter of a million Jews had crowded, in the last ten vears into an area about as big as from Wellington to Napier. The countrv was overcrowded and the troubles were not likely to ease off. After relating some interesting and amusing experiences during the Great War, Sir Herbert again thanked the members for their farewell gathering and said that he intended to give a Wapiti head to the Soldiers’ Club, on the condition that should he fall down on his job within twelve months, he could have the head back again. In acknowledging the gift of the Wapiti head, Mr. Smith said there was no danger of Sir Herbert ever claiming it again. During the evening vocal and other items were rendered by Messrs S. E. Dickell and William C. Mann and the Savage Club Orchestra. Supper was also served.