N.Z. AND THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2571, 20 September 1915, Page 2

N.Z. AND THE WAR

CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE SPEECH BY HON. J. ALLEN The annual smoke eoncerL of (.lift Combined Shipping Companies, C'niitoms, and Custom House Agents wwi held on Saturday evening, Mr. CI, It, Bullock, local manager tor the Now Zealand Shipping Company, presidiiti!;, At tlio outset tho chairman explained that the reason why a decision hud been conio to to hold tho gathering Ihiti year was solely for the purpose of a«!iinl/iug the patriotic funds. 11l proposing the toast of "Tlio Allies," Mr. E. V. Bevan remarked that the peoplo of tho British Empire must realise that this was Iflio time for individual sacrifice. This greal, lesson must bo learned from the present war. If it was not wo would go under. In his opinion tho British peoples were not doing what our Allies had doiio, and were doing, and a moro united strength, was needed on our part in every particular—on industrial as woll as tlio military, side in t'lio present national conllict.

Mr. G. Shirtcliffe responded,- • and made a comparison between the game of football played during t'lie afternoon and the great war conflict in Europe. In tho game of football tho tido had rolled backwards and forwards, as it had rolled backwards and 'fonvairis amongst tho nations engaged in tlio present war. Tho final goal would decide tho game, however, and tho Allies' peoples were confident that thoy would win. It would not bo an easy game, and every effort was needed to bring it to a successful issue. In conclusion tho speaker said t'lmt in one respect the war could not bo compared to tho game of football, bocauso ono of our clii'jf opponents had not played it according to rules.

Dr. A. K. Newman, M.P., proposed the toast of "The Expeditionary Forces," and in 'doing so' «iid that there had been a lot of talk about certain sports not rising to tho occasion and doing their bit towards helping the Empire in its time of troublo. He knew that all the .sports had done all they could in tho past, and would do so in the future, no matter how many men would be wanted. He did not think that conscription would come. Dr. Newman paid a high tribute to theMaori Contingents, as well- as the Expeditionary Forces. Hon. Jas. Allen Replies. "I have never responded to a toast with more earnestness than I do to this one," said tho Minister of Defence (tho Hon. Jas. Allen), in responding to the previous toast. Continuing, ho said that it was New Zealand's duty ana responsibility to see that tho sick and tho wounded who had spilled their blood for as were provided for, and this would bo dollop Tho Minister paid tributo to tho ■ New Zealand forces. Groat praise was bestowed on Now Zealand as a whole by tho Minister. We had, he said, established a record well worth having, and one which would redound to our credit for all time. New Zealauders in this war had gained praise from tho highest quarters, and this would not have been given liad it not been well deserved- It had been well demonstrated in the last few months that tho blood of the pioneers of this country still beat hi the veins of our boys of to-day. The mou of New Zealand had responded to the Empire's call most nobly. Wa had given a solemn promise that we would never leave a blank spa.ee to bo filled' hi the ranks, and ho, as Minister of Defence, hoped to be able to fill each blank space with two men every time. (Applause.) Ho was confident that the men who will go forward in the'future will keep up tho fine record of those who have gone before tliem from Now Zealand. It' may be, he added, that in time Now Zealand would have to ' make even greater sacrifices. • Everyone wished that the war would finish, but we would continue on to the bitter end to do our utmost to' bring the present struggle to a successful'issue.

"One can look forward with confidence to the future," said Mr. Allen, in conclusion, "because a country like ours, which has been able to foresee and prepare for things as we have will do better than ever." , '

Other toasts were as' follow .-—"Parliament," Mr.. A. Paul, to which Mr. A. H. Hindmarsli, M.P., responded; "Now Zealand Mercantile Marine," Mr. W. H. G. Bennett, response, Hon. Dr. M'Nab; "Customs and Customs-house Agents," Mr. A. V. H. Munro, response Mr. W. B. Montgomery; "Shipping. Companies," Mr. 6. Aliport, response, Captain Hull and Mr. W. A. Kennedy; "The Teams," Mr. D. Weir. Musical items wore given by Messrs. D. A. Kenny, A. W.'Kowton, C. Hickmott, and P. Twiss.