THE TASKS OF PEACE.

Taihape Daily Times, 27 January 1919, Page 5

THE TASKS OF PEACE.

GENERAL PAlf’S ADVICE TO ES-SOLDIEES.

In acknowledging the receipt of th© Returned Soldiers 7 Association badge in gold, which was presented to him in Wellington as a symbol of honorary life membership, General Pan, head of the French Mission, emphatically expressed a belief that an association of -returned soldiers, could be an influence for good, not only to th© • members, but also to the whole community. He referred to the associations of veterans formed after them war, of IS7O-1, and explained how these- organisations had maintained the traditions, and spirit of. France* He urged the soldiers, now ;that, th© war was over, to apply themselves vigorously to the tasks of peace, for work was the only way to assure the welfare of the individual as well as the nation. Finally, he smilingly exhorted them all to have largo families, for population was needed as an insurance against aggression by such plundering nations as Germany. When the badge was presented to General Pan ho looked for a moment at the little symbol, and then began to walk down the room. All eves followed him with intense curiosity. He halted by the only lady. In the .assembly, and requested the honour that she would pin the badge upon his breast. * When the badge was in the right place the General raised the lady’s ha id to his lips with a simple movement of grace, which delighted the .returned men. They cheered and applauded warmly.