THE VETERANS AND THE NAVY

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LII, Issue 58, 2 April 1909, Page 4

THE VETERANS AND THE NAVY

AN EXCHANGE OF COURTESIES. When H.M.S. Cambrian had left here it was suggested by Mr. J. C. Davies'to Captain Mace and Lieut. K. Walk, who agreed, that a souvenir card of the mounted volunteers shuuld be sent to the captain of the warship. This was done, being accompanied by the following letter:— New Plymouth, Feb, 0, 1909. Captain Vaughau Lewes, R.N., U.M.S. Cambrian, Auckland. Dear Sir,—As yo,u appear to take an interest in the Veterans, and have kindly sent a photo of the warship Cambrian to veterans in this district as a 'memento of their visit to your ship on Ist January last, it may lie of intere-.t to you to huve a card (forwarded to yon under (separate cover) referring to services of the mounted volunteers who served through the Maori War, and showing tho colors presented by ladies after the Battle o£ Waireka to the militia, and volunteers (the lirst volunteers in the world to be engaged in active warfare), and where Captain Cracroft, with his bluejackest from H.M.S. Niger so gaUantly stormed the Maori pah and rescued the volunteers, who were out of ammunition and hard pressed by an overwhelming force of Maoris. The bold attack and capture of the Waireka pah by the sailors .probably .prevented the Maoris from attacking the town. The Taranaki Veterans have therefore a warm corner in their hearts ior the Navy, and have cause to feel grateful for the services rendered on that occasion by tho men of 11.M.5. Niger. I may add that Captain Mace (mentioned on the card) was one of the guides who piloted the sailors on that occasion. The other card refers to the colors of the Taranaki Mounted Rifles who took part in tho bloodless victory at Parihaka where a large body of Maoris (over three thousand) was dispersed without a shot being fired. This letter was first addressed to Captain A. Standisli, vicepresident of HjM. Veterans, who stated that he was quite willing to forward it, but as it 'was from a section only of the Veterans, and not the whole body, he thought I had better send it direct to toil With 'best wishes for the Cambrians,—Yours faith'rully,

J. C. DAVIES. To the above a reply has been received as follows:

H.M.S. Cambrian, Tahiti, -27 th, Feb. Dear Sir,—l thank you very heartily for your kindness iu forwarding to mve two cards referring to the services of the mounted volunteers and to the colors of the Taranaki Mounted Rifles. I much appreciate receiving them, md also your letter 1 dated 9th February. Lieut-Col. Gudgeon, C.M.G., has been with me during the past 15 days punishing some of his Islanders who rebelled and hauled down the flag. What a fine man he is! and what a memory! He is a Taranaki man, and a fine example. I have enjoyed his stay immensely. Thanking you for your .good wishes and kind thought,—Believe inc, yours very truly,

VAUGDAN LEWES, Captain.