SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 May 1920, Page 5

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS.

FIRST ANNUAL EE-UNION. A PLEASANT FUNCTION. The first re-union of the North Tarn, riaki the South African vetcans was Hold in the Kawaroa Park bungalow last night, and proved a most enjoyable function. There were ibput fifty present, including members from Waitara, inglewood, Tarata and New Plymouth- in the absence of the president (Mr. L, De Launay), who was unable to be present owing to fa mil)' bereavement, Air. McPherson (vice-presi-dent of the Association), who had been a sergeant in tho 7th Reinforcements, presided. There were also at the official table Archdeacon Evans (president of the Returned Soldiers' Association), Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., Messrs. T. Richardson, T. Lawson, I. J. Jones and H. Ferguson, of Stratford (representing the South Tarauaki branch of the South African Veterans' Association); Lieut, W- H. Goldsworthy (Legion of Fiontierainen), Lieut. Andrews, V.C., Sergt.-MajOr 0)11, Sergt.-Major Bell, and P. W. Roydhouse (Waiiganui). Apologies were received for the absence of Lieut.-Colonel Weston, MesifsL. l)e Launay (president), J. W. MeMillan (president of the South Tarauaki branch), and the Mayor of Now Plymouth. After full justice had been done to the repast provided bv Mr A. Wooljec and dispensed by a number of the South African veterans, a short toast list was honored. The usual loyal toast W»s proposed by the chairman and enthusiastic lly honored, after which Mr. T. l-awson proposed "The Navy and Army " In responding, Lieut. Andrews, V.C., sftid that a high standard had been set for the army of the present day to live up to, and it was a hard job for them to jet within eooce of that standard. They hoped however, to do the best they could to carry on and do what was asked of them. (Applause). "The Parliament of New Zealand" was proposed by Mr. Geo. Morton, who Said that New Zoaland had every reason to be proud of the members of which its Parliament, was constituted. In responding, Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., wji? was greeted with applause, said that during his 'short term of office he had been asked to support the claims of the South African-veterans, and he had endeavored always to do so. He considered that men who had done service for their country, cither as sailors, soldier*, or in any other capacity, were entitled to the best consideration that could ba given them by any one occupying a» official position. He, however, had a clear conscience tfiat he had always done Jiis best to remember the services rendered by the men to their country, and he hoped that he would always have the ability to assist those who had taken part in the South African War and tho late war. He regretted that the Government had made an announcement that for the present time advances to soldiers would have to cease. That waa evidence almost of incapacity. The Government had promised the soldiers that the best would be done for them; 4001) soldiers had been settled on farms, and if every soldier wanted to be settled it was the duty of the Government to find the money. If 4000 were settled it was not fair that the other 60,000 should have to wait. He expressed the hop? that in the coming session of Parliament the claims made by South African veterans would be settled in as satisfactory a manner as possible. H 6 congratulated the soldiers of the district in having formed an association. "South African Veterans" was proposed by Archdeacon Evans, who stated that he had had a good deal to do with the South African contingents/' for he had farewelled every contingent that went from New Plymouth, and had welcomed all who returned. He considered that the experience in South Africa was a great help to them in the late war, and he did not think that too great an honor could be given the men who had so splendidly done their bit in the South African war.

Mr. C. E. Sadler, in responding, «id that although the South African war was a big thing, all were volunteers and all did ilieir bit. Tho war they had just boon through made tho South African war look like a flea bite. The troop?, however, in the South African War wore not fed like those in the lftto war. In concluding, he expressed tho hope that this was only the forerunner of an annual re-union.

The gathering then stood in silence for a few moments in honor of the departed comrades of the Maori veterans, the South African veterans, and the Returned Soldiers' Association.

"Sister Associations" was proposed by the chairman, who stated that the South African veterans had failed by forming separate associations for each contingent. The Returned Soldiers' Association had woke them up. He strewed the need for amalgamation of the associations.

Colonel Evans (Maori veterans) referred to the great part taken by the Maori veterans ill .settling Taranaki. It was a sad thing to see tho veterans disappearing like they were. The other day they celebrated the fiOth anniversary of Ihe ha I tie of Waireka, of which only SO survived. That was a big thing at the time, though possibly it appeared a little thing now. Altogether 805 Europeans, including tho citizen army, which was the first volunteer army to fight alongside British regulars, were opposed to 800 Maoris. He briefly described the state of New Plymouth at the time, and said that he felt greatly gratified at the fact that the veterans were to be entertained by the young men of New Plymouth. 1 Mr. V. 0. West (Returned Soldiers' Association) also stressed the need for amalgamation.

Mr. T. Richardson also replied on behalf of the South Taranaki Association, and Lieut. Goldsworthy on behalf of th» Lou:on of Frontieiv-nien.

Other toasts were: "The Visitors," proposed by the chairman and responded to by Sergt-Major Gill and Mr. Roydliou'c: "Our Entertainers," proposed by Mr. S. G. Smith, M.TV, "Ladies," proposed by Mr. F. Partridge and responded to by Mr. I". K Sadler; ''The Press," by Mr 1). P Evan* and responded to by the representative of tho News and tho Herald; and "The Chairman," proposed bv Mr. C. E. Sadler.

A cap i tal iimsiral prnsrnmme '"n rendered at intervals miring tlic even in 1 ", sum™; lic-iiitr cmilriiintod liv Mow?. P.. Bnllrinsov, 11. Smitii. TT. Wood, Ilowif :■ and Piovilliniue: and n-Hhiiicm* l;--Messrs. W. TT. (•oMsjvnrfli.v, V. IV.'! and ITorbevt (all V.'. H. Wood plavrrt the iwomjinnimonX The gatlipriusr tliea tool; tiuj nature 0£ a camp-fire talk.