GRATITUDE TO TORQUAY.

Digger (Invercargill RSA), Issue 2, 26 March 1920, Page 13

GRATITUDE TO TORQUAY.

NEW ZEALAND FLAG PRESENTED. On October 11th last the Borough of Torquay was presented with a New Zealand flag as an expression of tbanb-g and gratitude for the hospitaEty shown to the New Zealanders who passed through that depot. The ceremonv took place in the open, outside the main entrance to the Munieipal Baildings. A contingent of New Zealanders, under Major McLean headed by the Colour party, commanded by Captain Edwards — Lieut-enant Hill bearing the flag • — assembled at the Mallock Memorial' and marched to the Municipal Buildings, where they were drawn up in square formation, supported by the Comrades of the Great War, Members of the tSaxlors and So'diers' Federation, and others. In the course of his speech, when presenting the flag, gir Thomas Mackenzie said he could assure the people of Torquay that to hun it was a most interesting occasion, because it gave an opportcniity of tendering to them thanks for the great kiudness they had extended to the NewZealand soldiexs during their EQjoarn in Torquay. A great many had married from that part of oki England, and he was assured that those alliances would be atfcended with a larger proportion of happiness than would usually be found elsewhere. He hoped these new links wouli further cement the relationsh ip betweeja the Old Country and the Overlea s Dominions. He had the privilege of pre senting a New Zealand flag to their town, which, like Jerusalem of old, was "beautifnl of situation, and joy to the whole earth." (Applause.) In that flag, they saw the emblem of a young nation coming into being. ' Major Kay also expressed appreciation on behalf of the men under his command, and at the conclusion of his remarks the flag party presented arms, and the flag was presented to the High Commissioner. wli-) presented it to the Mayor of Torquay. The Mayor, in returning thanks, said tSie people of Torquay were proud and plcased in being presented with the flag which would remind them— if a reminder were needed, and he did not think it was —of those unforgettable and splendid things which the men of New Zealand fiad done for the empire. (Applause.) But from times of war, he would pc.ss to times of peace, and thank them for all they had beer during their sojourn in the borongh. He did not know that men could be found w ij could have a better record than the New Zealand soldiers had had during the timi; they had been there, and on behalf of the town he thanked them heartily for that. (Applause.) In the ways of peace, they had shown Torquay how to do things on the Watershed, where they had taught them how to till the land, and right nobly had tliey done their work He was proud to hold that flag. It would be gnarded auei respected for all time. In conclurlon Sir Thomas Mackenzi® said that, representing New Zealand, ashe did, it gave him great satisfaction to i knoW that from one end of Great Britain ' to the other, the men had earned the reputation of being soldiers and gentleraeacu (Applause.) That meant a great deal tA. j them across the water, and it meant a relationship which would be of great t>ene>fib to them Imperially.