THE VETERANS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 236, 3 April 1912, Page 4

THE VETERANS.

The pioneers of Taranaki, the men who have borne "the heat and burden of the day," deserve well of the community, for without their la.bor, sacrifices and hardships, the province would not have been what it is to-day—peaceful, prosperous, progressive. They had to contend against great odds, much greater, indeed, than the settlers of any other part of the colony had to face, for besides having to literally hew their homes from the dense forest that covered the land, they had to fight for their very hearth and home against a foe resourceful, daring and insistent. For years and years they were "up against it," but adversity did for them what it has done for others and will do again and again—it but strengthened their characters and rendered thepi better able to fight life's battles. In these utilitarian and prosaic days the services that these fine men have rendered the community and country generally are apt to be forgotten by those who have benefited directly and indirectly. But that the element of gratitude is not altogether dead in this part of Taranaki was evidenced last week, when the younger men of the town took it upon themselves to entertain the war veterans, which they did in a manner that left nothing to be desired. The celebrations were .not, perhaps, much in themselves, but they meant a good deal; they showed the present generation is not unmindful of its obligations, and that there is entertained a kindly and appreciative feel-" ing towards the veterans. It is good for the latter, it is good, too, for the younger men, and it is also good for the community generally that this sentiment should obtain. And long may it continue! In the ordinary course of things the veterans cannot be with us much longer. The race for most of them is almost finished, and it is a duty on tie part of the community that they be honored and assisted at every opportunity. We hope the pronounced success of the effort on Thursday evening will lead those responsible to take in hand the entertaining of the veterans every year not necessarily by holding a similar function. Perhaps the entertainment could be varied and take the form of a picnic, the lady folk being invited as well. They too, have borne the heat and burden of the day, and are deserving of every recognition. No more enjoyable, and certainly no more interesting, function has been held in New Plymouth in recent years than that got up in honor of the old identities by the late Mayor, Mr. Tisch, in connection with the unveiling of the obelisk at Moturoa in commemoration of the landing of the early settlers. Could not something similar be undertaken next year, say on or near Anniversaiy Day? We commend the suggestion to the favorable consideration of the committee that so successfully managed last week's affair. [Since the above was in type, the committee, we are glad to notice, has decided to make the entertainment of the veterans an annual fixture.]