LOYAL SOUTH WESTLAND.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1917, Page 3

LOYAL SOUTH WESTLAND.

MEETING AT HAM HARI

Probably no portion of the Dominion has done better than South Westianu in assisting to prosecute the titanic fctruggle now raging to a successful and victorious end. The people have given) generously to all and every lunct since the outbreak of war and it# quota of mean for active service is indeed a particularly fin© one. At a meeting held at the conclusion of the sale on Friday, at which there was a representative gathering or South settlers, Mr. A. McArthur was elected chairman. i

The chairman spoke of the seriou* difficulties confronting tho Allied forces in the present struggle, and the necessity of patience and confidende in awaiting the end, which lie felt sui e would he a victory for our arms. Though South Westland was a remote portion of tho Empire it was loyal to the core. (Applause.) As witness the men good and true from this district now away fighting. He asked them to contribute generously to all the funus haring for their object tho relief m wounded and disabled soldiers. They deserved the nation’s thanks in a practical way, and he felt sure that those who are left behind and could not participate in the fight would do their share in providing for those who were hoaring the strenuousness of the mighty war now raging. (Applause). Mr Ei. Adamson, J.P., Eotokino, moved the following resolution. — “Thatjthis meeting of South Westlond residents desires to assure the National Government of its loyalty and deep appreciation of the good work being dome to assist the ‘Empire in winning the present great struggle, and that' whatever sacrifice is required to see the end successfully attained, the people of South Westland are prepared to make the same, knowing f as they do that our very liberty and existence aro at stake.” (Applause.) Mr Janies Donovan,' J.P., Okanuj, in a vigorous fighting speech seconded the motion. He regretted he was not young enough to take up a rifle and do his bit.

Messrs Jno. Ferguson, J. Wallace, James Thomson, J. Adamson, J. Butler, M. Patrick, J. Diedrich, E. Gibb, J. Dennehy, and Jas. W. Thomson, J.P., all supported the motion, whiuk on: being put to the meeting, was carried with cheering, which broke into the singing ofi the National Anthem. On the motion of the chairman, it was decided to oomvey the resolution to the proper authorities.

Later Mr S. Evans donated a very handsome musical box to bo disposed of for one of tho patriotic funds. MrJeffries acted aa auctioneer and in a few minutes a considerable sum of

money was raised. It is noteworthy thht nearly every speaker ait the meeting had some relative in the fighting line at present-. Several of the speakers had enlisted and jvcre rejected, others were about to enter camp.