RETURNED SOLDIERS’ RE-UNION.

Shannon News, 12 May 1925, Page 3

RETURNED SOLDIERS’ RE-UNION.

A FINE GATHERING. File re-union of returned soldiers, wbo took part in the Great War and the South. African war, was held in the Druids’ Hall ai Friday evening and was one of hie finest gatherings ever held in Shannon, both socially and frqm the maimer in which the arrangements were carried out, while the attendance was far more than ever anticipated, there being about 90 oi ail ranks present, several visitors coming from Levin and the neighbouring districts. As a result the reunion should go far towards strengthening the bond of unity and friendship among the men. Gapt. White presided and among those present were Mr J. Linklater, M.P., the Mayor (Mr W. Murdoch) and Mr Hamilton, President of the Levin Returned soldiers’ Association. Numerous apologies for absence were received, all ol whom expressed the wish that the gathering would he a pleasant one.

Capt. White, in welcQuiing the men, expressed his pleasure at the attendance of such a large gathering and trusted they would have a good time. Alter the loyal toast had been honoured Mr j. T. Bovis proposed that of “Absent .Comrades” which was replied to by Mr J. Saxon. 1n... proposing the toast of the “New Zealand Parliament,” the Mayor (Mr Murdoch) said the Government of New Zealand was founded with the highest ideals of justice, even before the days of constitutional Government when New Zealand was ruled by Governors such as Governors Hobson and Fitzroy, who were umpjupulaf with the white population because they insisted on protection and justice being meted out to native population of New Zealand. Notwithstanding the unpopularity of their action it was nothing but justice and righteousness that moved them. The constitution of New Zealand as framed provided that tiie natives be represented in the Legislative hails of the country. Amongst the greatest names of New Zealand legislators was Sir Geo. Grey. He laid down the highest principles of democracy, amongst which was. manhood suffrage. He also gave projection to the native race. He was in tact, tiie real founder of the advanced legislation oi New Zealand. Other great leaders iu New Zealand ware Vogel, Stout, Atkinson, Ballanee, Feddon, Ward, and Massey. Another name was the late Hon. Whi. lloileston, to- whom lie said, Uie 1 idlest justice had not been done, lie should be placed as. one of tiie greatest men as he did a great deal lor closer settlement. He was a highly enlightened and educated statesman, The speaker said his first advent into New Zealand politics was his support of John Bailance’s party in 1890. He referred in eulogistic terms to the Hon. Mr Massey as a great Imperialist. Mr Linklater’s name was coupled in the toast. As Mayor oi die town iie had. been in communication on many matters with Mr Linklater, and always had found him prompt, courteous and attentive to his duties as member. (Applause). Mr J. Linklater, M.P., on rising to reply, assured them it gave him extreme pleasure, as lie could claim to be a returned soldier and he felt it an honour to be present. He was a South African war veteran and he thought he was the only representative in Parliament who had taken part in that war. In South Africa he had travelled over a large portion of that country led by General Pluiner, wbo, he said, was one of the finest of men and was held in the highest respect by the men of the Sixth Contingent. Although disease had been responsible for the; deaths of many men in diat war their losses in action bad been few. No doubt they would look brick and think that was a very small stunt, hut those men laid traditions overseas arid he felt proud that they were now upheld all over the world. Referring to Parliament the Mayor had given an insight as to wliat had been done in the past and they were endeavouring to give that justice and freedom as laid down by their ancestors. It did not matter what party a representative belonged to, every man in parliament did his best. L’o Mr Massey must be given the distinction of having been one of the hardest workers in the world. He satcl it was his. first term in Parliament and the long hours told. It took a long time to get used, tjoi the usages ofPar-

liameut, but he assured llieni lie always did ms nest as he recognised lie lepiesenieu one ui the iiuest districts m me Dominion, no went un losaj mat file New; Zealand ueturiied soiuler nad been treated eciter man those ol oilier countries. Hie Lonu Revaluation Board which Had been set tm to ueui with soldiers' sections, nau dealt wifii szsb cases, with the resun mat reductions had been granted on pm causes to file extent ui iii.avk.aac anfi mortgages had been reuuoeu uy dJtioo.tiSO. lne Government were mmg then best to see mat every • digger’’ had a fair enaiice, and he assured them he personally would do tns. nest in every possible way. He was satisfied they could be just us successful .as settlers as they were as warriors. He was pleased to see such a nne crowd present as unity was* me backbone ol every movement. (applause). Captain While, at this point, said he tuoughi the time opportune to ask tiie Mayor for the freedom of shannon that night.. This request amidst much joking and laughter was granted oy His Worship.

in proposing the toast of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, Mr Hamilton, president of the Levin, hranefi, said that it was unfortunate there was no branch in Shannon us those men who were financial have to curry the burden of the sick. The Association’s main work was in dealing with Land Revaluation and Pensions. He said he was sorry the promise made that men on the land, who worked hard, should receive funtreatment had not been kept. It was due to the Levin branch of the R.S.A. that tlie Revaluation Act was on tne Statute Book to-day. Dr. Gow was largely responsible for that, he having worked hard to obtain it. A remit would be forwarded shortly regarding the position of tile second mortgagee wlien- he is not the original vendor of the property. In re-spect-to pensions he quoted the ease of a man who. was not a T.B. case but next to it, having contracted tbe trouble at the front, whose earnings for the past nine months were £l7 2s 6d and who was getting a pension oi only £1 per week. It was cases like this one that the Association had to fight- for. From a social point? he had had a surprise that night to see such a'gathering as ii was Hie social side that must live. Speaking of how the canteen money should ne spent, he said if the money was divided among the men they v ould get £2 to £3 each. It is now over ten years since the fund started and he would suggest that the m< ney now in hand be subsidised by tlw Government not £1 for £l, but £2 lor £1 and. a suitable home erected which returned soldiers could enter wild reasonable pride, knowing they In l earned the rest and will be cared for. He appealed to the local men to join, up with the Levin Association rot for the sake of the subscription, bur for their moral support. He then called for cheers for Dr Gow for the good work lie had rendered .returned men, which were heartily given, and on the speaker resuming his seat lie was loudly applauded. Mir McKinley, 'whose name was coupled with the toast, returned thanks, lor tile manner in which it was honoured. Other toasts li uoured.were:—“Kindled Services,” ] i-oposed by Mr C, Cronquest, in which he made reference to the services rendered by the Army, Navy, Nursing and Air Forces, responded to i y Messrs Blackwood and Spencer (South African veterans), and Mr Brown v-Vavy); “The Ladies,’’ proposed by R< v. Farudl, responded to by Mr H. McDonald; ‘‘Visitors,” proposed by Mr J. Riches, responded t,q by Mr Adams; ‘‘Fallen Copirades,” proposed by Cant. White and honoured in silence, Mr Lester sounding the “Last Post”; “The Press,” proposed by Mr L.. H. Martin. Capt. White appealed, to the boys to link up with the Levin branch of the R.S.A. ’to l give it moral support. He offered to act as secretary pro tern, and recommended they should hold monthly ..meetings. The use of a room had been offered to hold meetings in and he proposed to eirctilarise them and be, trusted they would turn up in large numbers. Mr Blackwood said to further the interests of the R.S.A. on behalf of the Mangaore boys, fie would challenge Shannon to meet them at any game tliev liked from ping pong up, as he thought such gatherings would help in the al ove direction. The challenge was quickly taken up. At suitable iuiteijvails in the proceedings items were rendered by Messrs Henry and Blackwood (songs), Lester (cornet solo), Hamilton (song), ■Karauti (song in Maori), Bovis (song and recitation), H. McDonald (stones) and a Maori haka by live Maoris. Alter a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman (Capt. White), the sccretaiy (Mr C. Hardie) and the committee for the success of the gathering, one of the most sociable and pleasant evenings yet held in Shannon was brought to a close by all present joining hands and singing “Auld Lang Syne, ’