VETERANS' SOCIAL.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 254, 6 April 1915, Page 4

VETERANS' SOCIAL.

AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING,

There was a large gathering of veterans at the Brougham Street Hall last evening, wheii thoy were the guests of the young men of the town at a smoke concert. The chair was occupied by fi'r. J'as Clarke, who was supported by Mr. H. J. Okey, M.P., the Mayor (Mr. f. E. Wilson) and Colonol Ellis, V.D,

A light repast having been disposed of, a toast list was discussed, intersperwi by vocal items, the contributors beinjj Messrs Farmer, Lovegrovo, Meredith, Haslam, and Bell, songs; Messrs J. K. Hornblow (Foxton), Goldoworthy, anl Bertrand, recitations. After the usual loyal toast was honored, Mr. H. J. Okey * proposed "Tlie Army and Navy," referring to the vitality and spirit of the Taranaki veterans, the manner in which they had dono their duty, and the great straggle that was now convulsing Europe, and of which there were not murmuring") at last year's function.

Mr. George Bertrand responded. He knew British soldiors had always played the game, and were still playing it. As for the Navy, its work in the North Sea and elsewhere spoke for itself. The chairman then proposed the Veterans' Association. He was not a Tannaki man, but that dkl not prevent him from honoring those who had made the district what it was. He was born in New Zealand, and, together with other young mon, found it difficult to imagine the difficulties that the veterans Ji;i4 had to contend with. He referred'brie/Jy to the Maori wars, and thanked tlie veterans on his own behalf for the work they had done for the country. He iva* proud to know that several young men who were present at this function last year were now at the front. Some of those young fellows were the sons of veterans present that evening. He compared the Maori war and the present war, declaring that they were alike, inasmuch that in both cases the Britl-Ji were fighting barbarians, one savace. the other allegedly civilised.

Colonel Ellis, replying, said that It gave them all great pleasure to be entertained as they had been that evening," Their mooting was somewhat smaller than previous ones, but that was unavoidable. Illness prevented many from attending. He hoped they would all bo spared to meet on many further occasions.

Captain John Black also responded. The Mayor proposed "Our Boys now at the Front." He had no doubt that* some of those who had gone from that part of the district hfid Loon inspired Jiy the example of the veterans, and he h.iil no doubt that they would acquit themselves with credit to themselves. ami their country. Tommy Atkins had £a odds that no one should be called upon to face, and carried himself well, as al«o had the British Territorials. With reimtfl to their boys, they had heard that they would now, after their hard train'sg. compare with the troops of the liiw whose constant training was admitted to be of so groat value to them when en nctivo service.

Messrs W. D. Webster (who said he was proud to think lie had a son aoini to the front), Goldsworthy, and®. Okey, M.I . replied, the latter remarking that he believed that his son was one of the first to sign on in the Taranaki district. Mr Bertrand and Colonel Ellis also ref d, the colonel remarking that he had two sons and a.nephow at the front. A H " BhOS l ,r °l )osed "Tho ' ' an( i the representatives pre&ent replied. 1

~W -o Bl1,okin » proposed the ilosts. Severn 1 gentlemen speaking that evening had complimented the veterans on their appearance, and had expressed the wish that they would all meet again next year. He thanked thc-i for their kind remarks and hospitality. The chairman, in response, said lie was sure that the young men's committee enjoyed and appreciated the gathering «ia much as the veterans thpTnsclvc Mr Webster proposed the toast of Captnm Black, tho Secretary of the Veterans' Association," for which he had done such good work. Captain Black briefly replied. Mr. Webster then proposed "The Chairman," and Mr. Clarke replied. The gathering concluded with "Allld Lang Svne," and the National Anthem.