SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1921, Page 4

SOUTH AFRICAN VETERANS.

THE ANNUAL RE-UNION NEW PLYMOUTH GATHERING. The second annual re-union of the North Taranaki branch of the South African Veterans’ Association wus held in the KawaroA Park bungalow las* niglit, when Mr. L. De Launay (president of the branch) presided over an attendance of about 60. There were also present representatives of the Stratford and Eltham branches and of the Returned Soldiers’ Association. Among those at the official table were Captain A. M. McDiarmid (president of the New Plymouth Returned Soldiers’ Association), Mr. F. E. Wilson (Mayor of New; Plymouth), Mr. S. G. Smith, M.P., Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P., Staff Officer A. L. Hunter (of the Legion of Frontiersmen)! and Lieuts. Andrew, V.C., and Steele. After dinner the toast of “The was proposed by the chairman and honored with enthusiasm. “The Navy and Army” was proposed by Mr. W. J. Penn, and responded to by Lieut. Andrew, V. 0., Major Joll and Sergeant-Major Crone; “Kindred Associations”, proposed by Major Joll and responded to by Captain McDiarmid; “Returned Soldiers’ Association”, by Mr. W. T. Jennings, M.P., on behalf of the Maori War ve- f terans, and by Mr. A. L. Hunter on behalf of the Legion of Frontiersmen; “Sister Associations” was proposed by* Mr. D. P. Evans, who referred to the fact that during the past two yearn branches had been formed in Taranaki, and the toast was responded to by Vice-President Richardson (Stratford) and President Hawke (Eltham).

Mr. S. Smith, M.P. for Taranaki, proposed the toast of “The North Taranaki branch of the South African Veterans”, reminding that as an M.P. ha knew something of the efforts they were making to have their services recognised! in a manner somewhat similar to the way in which the Returned Soldiers* Association had been treated. Deputa« tions had waited on the Minister of Lands and had asked to have South African veterans placed in the same posh tion as the returned aoldiers regarding repatriation, and they Tad always been told that they would receive consideration when the returned soldiers’ claims had been dealt with. There were, ho said, a considerable number of of the House who were in sympathy with the aims of the South African men. Mr. Smith said that the country was now passing through serious times, not so serious as the war, but serious enough for them to endeavor to prevent anyone doing anything to hinde** those in authority. There was a small coterie of men. who would advocate tearing down tha Union Jack and placing another flag in its place, and the stage had been reached, when all the loyal section of the community, whatever its opinion or creed, had to band together to stifle that section which was working to the detriment of the country. New Zealand was! passing through a serious financial crisis, hut this was nothing to worry about, as the country was sound, and it was productive, and it only wanted pushing on. Those present had gone through great hardship to serve their country, but they could still serve their country by banding together and seeing that disloyal per*sons were shipped to another country which they said was greater than thia* President L. De Launay, in responding,

said that the association had made very satisfactory strides since it was formed two years ago. This duty had been no-* glected for over twenty years. The branch was established with a member ship of IS or 20, and now had a membership of 100. Similar strides were being made throughout 'New Zealand, and he aid not think the time was far distant* when they would be able to go to the Government with backing strong enough’ to demand the rights they had been’ denied for the last twenty years. He pa.idt ft tribute to the excellent work done by the vice-president, executive, the se-| cretary (Mr. D. P. Evans) and also Mr. R. Pike, who was responsible for organising the gathering.

Vico-President Macpherson also responded. Other toasts were: “The Parliament of New Zealand”, proposed by Mr. F. E t Wilson and responded to by Messrs. W. ) T. Jennings. M.P.. and S G. Smith, M.P.; “The Ladies*’, proposed by Mr. C. E. Sadler and responded to by Mr v Thomason-, “The Press”, proposed by Mr.' W. T. Jennings and responded to by Press representatives present; “Thcj Chairman”, proposed by Mr. W. J. Penn, and “The Secretary”, whose Work was' eulogised. The National ..nthem con*, chided the programme, and the gathering resolved itself into a “eamp fire talk’ll when old comrades exchanged remin is cences of twenty years ago. An excellent programme, consisting of song, story and recitation, was -enderisl, items being contributed n\ 1 .ient. Gold worthy, Sergeant-Majors Gil! and R » Veteran R. Pike, Messrs. - . Howlett, all of whom had to respond to recalls. Mr. Bellrimrcr slaved liu ac : cor anime: