VETERANS' RE-UNION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIII, Issue 267, 1 April 1911, Page 6

VETERANS' RE-UNION.

AN INTERESTING EVENING. An eventful day in the history of the ( .province was fittingly wound up by a gathering that took place in the Burlington Rooms, where the veterans had assembled for their annual re-union. These old men had gone through the j strenuous times of the Maori war, had I been under fire, and, in some instances ■ at least, had seen relatives and friends shot down. To New Zealanders of the present day, the Maori war is fast becoming mere history, but to these men it was reality. Every year, as was mentioned on Thursday night, their ranks are becoming thinner, and it will not perhaps be many years before such a re-union will be an impossibility. It is to be hoped, however, that they will live to see many such gatherings, when ■ veterans from round about can discuss I old incidents and reminiscences and revei i again in the past. The gathering ou Thursday night was a happy and jovial one, the utmost good I comradeship prevailing. There was a gooif attendance of veterans and guests. 1 Captain Mace, N.Z.C., presided, whilst : Colonel il. S. Fitzherbert occupied the vice-chair. Seated on the right of the ; chairman was the Hon. T. Mackenzie (Minister of Agriculture), and on the I left Mr. Tisch (Mayor of New Ply-1 mouth). Among the guests were Messrs Samuel and Carncross, M.'sL.C, Okey and Jennings, M.'sP., Rev. Evans and Lieutenant Boon. , After those present had dined on the excellent fare provided, the health of "The King" was honored in an enthusiastic manner that left no doubt as to the loyalty of those present. The chairman read apologies from Colonel Ellis, Lieut. Lionel Okey, Messrs. J. B. Hine and B. Dive, M.'sP., and Adlam. '

The toast of "The Government and Parliament of New Zealand" was proposed by Captain J. S. MoKcllar, in" a short speech, coupling with it the names, of the Hon. T. Mackenzie, Messrs.! Samuel, Okey and Jennings. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, in the course of a bright address, marked by humorous allusions, said some people thought the Government was going too fast; | others that it was going too slow. People should remember that it was a far more difficult thing to manage a country based on universal franchise than it was one on a limited franchise. He then made a few remarks on the | science of political economy.

The Hon. Samuel prefaced his remarks i by stating that the country wns fortunate indeed in the possession o-f a man of the previous speaker's ability, not only in literary attainments, but in political experience. Members of Parliament, he said, acquired no wealth ' in the House by honest actions, and he thanked God there was no dishonesty in I Parliament and never had been. What I members of Parliament did get was bad health through working long hours in I an atmosphere productive of bad temper and disease. Something, he said, . should be done by the hon. gentleman ' and his colleagues to render life in the i House less trying and less easy a course ,to the cemetery. When he looked round the room he, felt proud of having been , sent to Parliament by such fine, sterl-, ■ inp, honest and upright men. Mr. Okey referred. to the fact that Parliament was all powerful, and should I do something to grant the veterans a pension as asked for.

Mr. Jennings referred to an article in the Daily News on the Hon. T. Mackenzie, in which it was stated that the hon. gentleman was not a "yard-of-metal politician." He was not ashamed to raise his voice for better roading of the back blocks. Better roads meant in creased productivity, and as long as he was retained in Parliament, he would never be mum on the question. Captain Mace, N.Z.C., in proposing the health of the MaYor and council, said he knew very litfte about the council, but he knew they had a good mayor. The Mayor, in responding, remarked that the council was a progressive one. Sometimes they got blamed more than they deserved, but he considered that open healthy criticism was good. The Hon. T. Mackenzie, in proposing the toast of "The Veterans," said that he esteemed it a privilege to come into contact with men who had done so much for their country, and personally he felt a stimulating influence from their example. He had that day met numbers of old warriors who had distinguished themselves on the field of battle. If it had not been for men oJ their stamp, the hearths and homes of which the British people were so proud, would not no be under British rule. The example of these veterans should stimulate every young man to unite and be prepared to defend his country. Britons were living in a fool's paradise. The British army, he felt, was not equal to the responsibility placed upon it. He was pleased that the navy was being built up, and sincerely hoped that it might ibe maintained at a two-power-standard. Great Britain had always stood for liberty and freedom. Every lad and father should, therefore, know how to defend his mother or wife from an enemy. It was the East, not Germany, that he looked upon as a menace. The Germans were merely pacemakers, and a good job it was for the people of Britain that it was so, as they were compelled to maintain the navy accordingly. The danger would arise from Japan, which would not be satisfied with its gain of Korea. Then there was China. This great, nation of 400,000,000 people was awakening and actively training. The natural-in-crease was so great that they were compelled to build their homes on the river. In Australia there was barely one soul to the square mile as against over 500 in China. If Britain would not populate these waste spaces, the hordes of other nations might do so. It made one shudder to think of the horrors of Asiatic invasion. In ancient times the Asiatics had swept through Europe, and they must take care lest history repeat itself and enact the same in these Islands. Our young people should emulate the self-denial ■ and endurance of these veterans, and by so doing would be able to defend their homes and stand as a monument of peace throughout the world. Lieutenant Wells, in responding, remarked that at the time they did not

count on having so much bother made. They used to consider it sufficient to do their duty. AVhy, now they were considered great men, they were heroes. Private Andrews also responded. Captain Davis proposed the health of "The Volunteers." He did so with sad feelings, for soon like the veterans, they would cease to exist, becoming territorials. Lieutenant Boon, of the Guards, returned thanks. Active volunteers were always proud to follow the veterans on parade. The territorials, like the volunteers, would received no pay, and would act in the same spirit of loyalty. The health of "The Pioneers" was proposed by Captain Fitzherbert. Although not one himself, he was the son of one, and all must admire the work they had done. They came, they saw, and they conquered. Now, they had everything modern and up-to-date—even including legislation, but scarcely any youth or middle-aged man realised how much they were indebted to this hardy band of pioneers. This provincial district was practically the seat of the Maori war, and the early settlers had therefore the greatest hardships. He was pleased to see how hearty they looked. They were still healthy and vigorous, and looked capable of going on the field now. Mr. Andrews, in responding, gave some interesting reminiscences of very early days. Toasts of the 'Tress" and "The Chair" concluded the evening. Songs were contributed by Captain Mills, Mr. T .Woodard, Corporal Bell and Sargt.-Major Duffin. Mr. J. C. Morey presided at the piano, which had been kindly lent by Messrs. Collier and Co. The Garrison Band, on its return from Oakura, serenaded the veterans by playing a selection —a kindly act that was much appreciated.