ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 May 1942, Page 4

ANNUAL CONFERENCE

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN • GATHERING IN MASTERTON. DEPUTY-HAYOR WELCOMES DELEGATES. Legion of Frontiersmen from all parts of New Zealand assembled in Masterton today' to attend the annual conference of the New Zealand Command. The conference opened this morning at the Orange Hall, Commandant J. C. Findlater, 0.C., New Zealand Command, presiding. The deputy-Mayor, Councillor W. White, extended a welcome to the conference delegates on behalf of the town. He expressed his pleasure that Masterton had been honoured as the centre of the conference and referred to the notable record of service which Frontiersmen had to their credit in all parts of the world. Replying to the welcome, Commandant Findlater said that the vital spirit of the nation was shown in the earnest thought which leaders of civic affairs were giving to New Zealand’s war effort. Today the civic conscience was being stirred and larger civic rights and responsibilities were being affirmed.

A telegram was sent to the Gover-nor-General, reaffirming loyalty to the throne of the Legion of Frontiersmen and expressing personal greetings to the Governor-General and a resolve to catry on. Another message expressing heartiest greetings was despatched to frontiersmen serving overseas. In his annual report. Commandant Findlater stated that the organisation had lost a percentage of its active strength throilgh participation in vital points duty, Home Guard, E.P.S. and serving with the forces overseas. During the year 61 new members Joined and 406 paid renewal subscriptions. It was with deep regret that they record the passing of their founder, Captain Roger Pocock, L.M.S.M., at the age of 76, at Weston-Super-Mare, England. His death was mourned by members of the Legion not only in New Zealand but throughout the British Empire. This Conference placed on record its deep appreciation of the services rendered by members on the active service fronts. Their thoughts go out to their fellow frontiersmen in the Hong Kong and Singapore squadrons, Burma and other outposts of Empire. paid tribute to the Silent Service and the rhen of the Mercantile Marine who keep the old Red Duster flying. In this part of the world they could never forget what the brave men of the Australian Navy, the H.M.S. Sydney, Paramata and Waterhen _ did for therri. They and their brave British comrades served the edrrimori cause with equal devotion. Nor Were they unmindful of the service rendered by the Royal Air Force and particularly their New Zealand sons who had brought honour and lustre to their homeland. Congratulations were extended to the four recipients in this country of the Victoria Cross. They were thrilled with the gallant defence and tenacity worthy of thffir national traditions shown by the people of Malta and the granting of the George Medal by the King Was a worthy tribute td their valour ahd endurance. China had gallantly borne the brunt of five years of war with Japan, then after the conquest of the European Powers by Hitler they had the Battle of Britain and. at the moment the burden was borne by RUssia. The United States had not entered the conflict in order to turn the scale which might turn ultimately against het security but in immediate defence of her national existence. Peace depended on placing irresistible strength at the service of justice—the principle of' “preparedness” which was the Legion’s continuing policy. The annual reunion will be held this evening.