WAIREKA CELEBRATION.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVI, Issue 260, 1 April 1914, Page 5

WAIREKA CELEBRATION.

THE VETERANS' DINNER. i Last night saw the celebration of the anniversary of the battle of Waireka, an event which is as inextricably interwoven with Taranaki's struggle for existence as was the landing of the William Bryan. In the Brougham Street Hall accordingly assembled the members of the Taranaki branch of the Royal (N.Z.) Veterans' Association, and a line old company tliey were. Men bent with the weight of years, veterans 'so sprightly that the name seemed a misnomery and a few old fellows in wheeled chairs gathered to recall old times and discuss early associations.

The gathering was presided over, by Mr. J. E. Wilson, who had on his right his Worship the Mayor (Mr. (!. W. Browne), and on his left, Mr. 11. Okey, M.l'. After the usual loyal toast, his Worship proposed the toast of "The Army and Navy," referring to, the work done in the past by the bodies which existed for the protection of land and sea. He specially referred to the battle they were assembled to commemorate. He pointed out that the defence of the country was now hi the hands of the Territorials, and urged on young men the cheerful discharge of their duties in that respect. Captain o"Callaghan, in replying on behalf of the Navy, traced the growth of the Navy since his service days, which extended back to the time when steam was hardly recognised as a locomotive agent, and the Navy had to depend on the smartness of the men aloft in handling the sails. Coming nearer home, he supported the "little navy" party, and expressed the wish that its critics'could he rubbed out of existence. Without an overwhelming advantage at sea, Britain could not hope to increase her scope, hold her Empire together, or protect New Zealand. New Zealand was indebted to the British Navy for its security, and no expenditure was too great to aid the Navy.

Captain Stevens, in responding on hehalf of tlio Army, referred to the services rendered to the country !>y the men lie saw assembled before him, arid pointed, out the duty of the young men in connection with the Territorial scheme.

The chairman, in proposing the toast of "His Majesty's Veterans," expressed the pleasure which must lie felt at seeing still among (hem so many of the men who had made the fair province which the present Taranaki generation enjoyed. i'o'lonel Ellis, in responding to the (oast, sc.light to impress the inherent necessity for discipline in both national ami individual life. In this the training of the Army had helped, and that of the Territorial system would help the rising generation. This was especially needed for the well-being of yoiuiy New Zealand.

Air. If. Okey, M.l'.. previous to proposing the toast of "The Ladies," contiratulatcd the veterans on the. occasion of his lirst meeting with them since (.lie Covoriniient ha<l recognised their services. They had waited lon;,' for the pensions (hey deserved, and he hoped they would live lonsr to enjoy them. He, also Imped il would not lie lon;,' hefore the widows of dead unpensioned soldiers would lie similarly treat-

This toast was vesponded lohy ilessrs .(. Andrews and S. Paul. Other toasts were "Our Hosts," proposed liv Sergeant Uoliert Wells, and responded' to liv the chairman; and "Our Home," hv Colonel Kllis. When the toast-list was .'.included the resolved itself into soii.ir, music am! reminiscence.

Items were contributed by Captain Stevens. Scrjji .-Major Malioiu*. and Messrs 11. Moon. .1. Lovell, fjffkbride and Wm. Perry.