ANNUAL REUNION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 June 1942, Page 2

ANNUAL REUNION

LEGION OF FRONTIERSMEN GATHERING IN MASTERTON ON SATURDAY. PRESENTATION OF PIONEER AXE. The annual reunion of the Legion of Frontiersmen, New Zealand Command, which was held in Masterton on Saturday night, was characterised by a spirit of comaraderie, presenting as it did the one opportunity in the year for fraternisation of members from all parts of New Zealand. Commandant J. C. Findlater presided, being supported by the deputy-Mayor, Councillor W. White. A highlight of the evening was the conferring of the award of the Pioneer Axe on Lieutenant G. Bridge, of Te Awamutu. This decoration, generally referred to as the “V.C. of the Legion,” entails the performance of conspicuous? service, not the least being ten years' membership, and is very sparingly awarded Following the Loyal Toast, that of “The 9000” was proposed by Commandant Findlater, and honoured in traditional style. This toast honours the memory of the 9000 Frontiersmen who laid down their lives in the war of 1914-18. “New Zealand is more English than England,” said Councillor W. White, in proposing the toast of “The British Empire.” After reference to the toll taken in the bombing of Britain, and the wonderful spirit of its people, Councillor White said all were proud of Britain and her leaders, critics of whom he condemned. “Carry On” was the keynote of Commandant Findlater’s speech in proposing “The Navy, Army, Air Force, and Mercantile Marine,” each service receiving tribute for the part it was playing with the present conflict. Responding on behalf of the Navy, Lieutenant H. Wallis, made topical allusion to commando raids, giving a detailed . account of the historic raid on Zeebrugge on April 23, 1918, and stating that this would help one to realise what the men of the present parties were up against when they landed on a foreign shore. Lieutenant Klee responded on behalf of the Army, Captain J. Preston, of the Air Force, and Captain P. Warren, of the Mercantile Marine.

The frequence of references during the evening to the “British Empire” was referred to by Mr G. R. Sykes in proposing the toast of “R.S.A. and South African Veterans,” the speaker emphasising that it stood for freedom of speech, Press, and association. Reply was made by Messrs B. Whyborn (R.S.A.) and H. M. Boddington (South African Veterans), the latter paying striking tribute to Field Marshal Smuts (himself a member of the Legion) for the part he was playing in the war. Other toasts honoured were: “N.ljrt H.Q.” (Lieutenant W. Taylor—Commandant Findlater); “Home Guard” (Captain D. Honore —Colonel J. L. McAlister); “The Visitors” (Lieutenant R. B, Foord—Mr H. G. Alexander); “Absent Comrades” (Frontiersman J. Merton); “The Entertainers,” and the Press (Sergeant Penny).

Appreciation of the efforts of the home squadron to bring the conference to a successful issue was expressed by Captain Warren, who stated that their devotion had overcome the many difficulties consequent on depletion of their ranks by the demands of the Army. Entertainment was provided by Piper G. McPherson, Messrs L. Blake, W. White, Frontiersman J. L. C. Merton, Frontiersman J. F. Jaine, and Colonel J. McAlister, proceedings closing with the singing of the National Anthem.