MR. L.M. AMERY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XVII, 29 November 1927, Page 8

MR. L.M. AMERY

WELCOME BY RETURNED SOLDIERS PRESENTATIONS AT WELLINGTON, Wellington, Nov. 28. “It is a great comradeship which soldiers' associations stand for, and they mean a great deal to the British Empire. The little handful of men who were trained, inspired and schooled in Britain’s little wars, and particularly the South African campaign, are an important link in the chain which binds the nation together. Relatives of men who have made the supreme sacrifice, love the Empire tetter for . the sacrifices they have made for it.” The above sentiments , were expressed by Mr. Amerv in responding to a welcome extended to him by returned soldiers’ associations to-day. There was a good attendance of the associations concerned—New Zealand South African War Veterans’ Association, Legion of Frontiersmen. New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association and Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association. General Sir Andrew Russell, president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, who presided, in welcoming Mr. Amery, said that the mission unon which Mr. Amery was engaged had the whole-hearted support of all patriotic bodies such as those represented in the room. "We know that you yourself, as a South African veteran, are familiar with the problems that confront the returned soldiers,” “We welcome you as one of ourselves,” said Sir Andrew Russell, in presenting Mr. Amery with a walking stick made of native rewarewa wood, mounted with greenstone, from the returned soldiers of New Zealand. PRESENTATION OF GOLD BADGE Captain J. J. Clarke, president of the South African War Veterans’ Association, then presented the distinguished visitor with a gold badge, remarking that Mr. Amery was the first person outside New Zealand to receive such a distinction. Colonel R. St. J. Beere, on behalf of the Wellington squadron of the Legion of Frontiersmen, next presented Mr. Amery with a memento in the form of a greenstone tiki. Colonel G. T. Hall, president of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, also extended a welcome to Mr. Amery. “It is a great comradeship which these associations constitute,” declared Mr. Amery in responding, “and they mean a great deal to the British Empire. The South African war now seems but a small thing, but it did a great deal to cement the Empire.” The Empire was not held together by any constitution, hut bv many links, one of the strongest of which were the soldiers who had fought shoulder to shoulder in battle. He made a plea for kindly assistance and advice to British soldier migrants. The war had marked the end of one great era of the Empire. A reception in honour of Mr. and Mrs. Amery was given at Government House to-night. Had the weather been favourable Mr. Affiery was to have paid a visit to the Wellington Woollen Company’s mill and the Gear Meat Company's works, .after which he was to have seen the Railway Department’s settlement at Lower Hutt, but the trip was abandoned. Mr. Amery may, however, visit those places on his return from the south next month.