HIS DUTY TO HIS COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 185, 15 January 1915, Page 8

HIS DUTY TO HIS COUNTRY.

A POPULAR OFFICER FAREWKLLED. MAJOR. FLETCHER, OF THE EGFENCE RIFLE CLUB.

There was a muster of over eighty numbers of the Now FlymouUh Defence Rille Club art the parade in the Coronation Hail last night. Special significance was attached tc the parade, it. being Major Fletcher's final appear--11 nee with the -members before going t.o Ticnthaiu to join the reinforcement contingent for the front, and they made Dim a presentation as a slight recognition of h. : s services on behalf of the club. A number of staff officers who were in New Plymouth in connection with tiie group rifle meeting were present).

At tlie conclusion of drill, President F. J. Hill, in the course of a brief address, ! remarked that they were about to bid I farewell to another of their old friends, sjhis time in the person of Major Fletcher, who was leaving on Saturday I morning for Trentham. Major Fletcher had, he said, taken a great interest in die club's welfare, and had done a lot of woUk for it, having, ever since its formation, some six mouths since, given two nights a week. There were not many men who would devote that time to ft'liie icrvice, and he personally felt sometimes that they were asking too much and taking too great an advantage of Major Fletcher's good na'iuve. He could, however, affirm that all appreciated tlie splendid service rendered. Though sorry to lose Major Fletcher, they were proud to know thatltlhe country would have the services of so able an officer. He then presented Major Fletcher, on behalf of the club, with a silver wrisitjet watch, with illuminated dial, suitably inscribed, and also vith a case of razors and a purse of sovereigns. Jn conclusion, he expressed the wish that Major Fletcher would return safely, and with honour and glory.

Platoon-Sergt. A. E. Standish, in endorsing the remarks, said that it was i:ot .Major Fletcher's fault if the club was )iot as efficient as it should be. (Rifleman J. D. Sole said that the enthusiasm displayed by Major Fldtpher showed that he was the right btnll' to make a good soldier, and he regretted that more of itilie members were not niade of the same stuff, because then they would be on parade more frc- j ouently. Piatoon-Scrgt. A. H. Johnstone, vltvr .joining wlili the others in expressing regret at the early departure of f Major Fletcher, and gratitude at the extreme kindness lie 'had always .shown to members of the club, said that it was now abundantly apparent- that large 11 umbers of officers and snen would be required, if cur Empire was to succeed in the struggle in 'which it was now involved. Lieut. Haxtnell had already left itilie club, and they had now a further inspiring example in the conduct of Major Fletcher. There was no doubt that considerable numbers of tile club would follow later, and put to practical ;;.-o the training which they 'had already received. It was no light matter, he added, for a man to give up his home

and friends, but aiii the call of duty men of spirit did not hesitate to make these sacrifices. „In conclusion, he wished Major Fletcher God speed, good luck, and a safe return. Platoon-iSergt. P. 'White, in thanking Major Fletcher for the interest he had l.i'ken in instructing them, said that the best way for the noa-coms. and members Itjo show their appreciation, was by making themselves as efficient an arm of the service as was .possible. Platoon-Sergt. Bruce also endorsed the preceding speaker's remarks. Chaplain-Major Evans expressed great pleasure at the progress made by the Defence Eifle Club. The evolution's 'lihat evening reflected great credit on Major Fletchar. The greatest compliment that could be sfhown, an instructor was for the men to take an interest! in their work.

In returning thanks, Major 'Fletcher taid that he had never felt so happy as wh -i drilling men who were as eniliusiasujic as were the members of the c'ub. He gave a brief outline of his own military career. Twenty years ago lie had started aa a drummer in the Artillery at Wellington, and had risen step by siep to the position tliat he now held. He congratulated the Defence Club on its non-commissioned officers, who were very efficient for the time '.liat tl ey hal been appointed. These men, he said, gave up two nights a week, and ibis should 'be an incentive to others 'to come and do their share. He felt that it was his duty, being equipped with Viie service that 'he had, to offer that

.■•(■ nice to his country. He hoped to acquit himself creditably to the couutry that sent him on I },. He had tried his best to do so in SouHi Africa, and would do so again. (Applause.) On Wednesday night Major Fletcher took the opportunity of wishing the officers and men of the A Company ■'good-bye.'' He complimented the mien on their splendid behaviour while under him, giving as an example the last camp, where only one man in the company had been called to the orderly room for a minor oiTenee, Which he Hliougkt was a record for any territorial company.. He impressed upon them the necessity for booming proficient in the use of their arms. No doubt many of those present were 'too young to volunteer for active service, but one never knew when the ago limit might he reduced. In fact, it looked as if such would he the. case and all would have to go. He concluded by wishing them all good bye, and hoped they would keep up lihe traditions of the old X. Company. Chap-lain-Major Evans, on behalf of the officers and men, wished Major Fletcher God speed and a safe return. He paid a warm tribute to Major Fletcher's connection with the regiment, and said that only the members of the A Company fully recognised tsie good work which he had done. Prior to the parade dismissing, three cheer* were given for Major Fletcher. Members of Hie Defence Rifle Club hiMv decided to parade at ", .10 tomorrow morning at -file Coronation Hall, in order to farewell Major i ivtehcr at the mail train.