The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th, 1922 KEEPING FAITH.

Hokitika Guardian, 15 March 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15th, 1922 KEEPING FAITH.

Fresh life is being infused into the local branch of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Following the late visit of Sir Andrew Russell and party, and the inspiring addresses in the Town Hall here, the branch has been reorganised and is now getting into working order. But the branch needs a “home,” a place where the men may foregather and keep alive the memories of their comradeship. Up to a few months ago a local organisation provided the means for the end in view, hut circumstances led to the closing of the premises, and it has not been possible since to secure a suitable building. When the circumstances of the war period were fresh in the minds of the people a movement was afoot to establish soldiers’ club rooms and a considerable amount of support was promised locally. There is still time and the opportunity for the public to keep faith with those promises. A movement is afoot to acquire a piece of ground centrally situated, and build, providing social rooms for the assembly of the men. Tbe committee of the local branch is now formulating a scheme and in due season the public will be invited to grant their support. This step will be worth while, for it will help the men to associate more together. The district is doing the right thing in rearing a memorial to the fallen. and it has done its duty in that respect in no niggardly fashion. It is equally incumbent that the duty to the living should he discharged. The men have been much apppreciated for their work, but little of a tangible nature has been done to help them socially. By affording them the opportunity of foregathering from time to time and meeting in social intercourse, the right spirit of comradeship will ho engendered. Sir Andrew Russell spoke to the men of helping their less fortunate comrades, but if there is not a proper organisation to attend to this duty, the task is not done, We have got to remember the veterans who served in war time, Thp r was fought find vfOR for on? '

j tion. and it is a duty to remember those who helped to achieve the victory. Many countries take great pride in honoring the veterans of their nr* mies. New Zealand is not too young in national life to be without veteri at's. We have those of the Maori war. . those of the South Africah War, and 1 now the largest number —those rtf the ' Great War. These men must he lionj ored arid respected, and the people we ; are sure will readily show their respect and support in regard to any worthy movment destined to benefit the ex-sol-dier who has served his country well and faithfully. In keeping faith with the men who served the people we be hut doing their duty in a very pleasurable direction, and when a scheme with the object mentioned is outlined, there should he those who will he ready and willing to render a helping hand and make a success of the movement.