MOUNTED RIFLES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 53, Issue 255, 9 August 1933, Page 3

MOUNTED RIFLES.

THE ANNUAL REUNION. (Special to the “ Guardian.”) CHRISTCHURCH, This Day. Friendships Avere renewed and reminiscences exchanged at the annual reunion last evening for members of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles. Colonel John Findlay presided over an attendance of more than a hundred. The toast of “Fallen Comrades” Avas purposed by Chaplain-Captain H. L. Blamires.

In proposing the toast of “The .Regiment” Flight-Lieutenant .Denton paid a glowing tribute to Colonel Findlay’s qualities as an officer. Tiro Colonel, said the speaker, was one of the finest officers who ever left New Zealand. The regiment under Colonel Findlay did its little bit and had proved its worth on many fields. If ever called upon it would do the same again. Colonel Findlay, on rising to respond, was heartily applauded. Ho said that he had thoughts of staying at home this year, but thoughts of the old regiment and the hospitality of Major Murchison had lured him on. The proposer of the toast had hinted at the next war, but some of those present would bo too old to go. (Laughter.) If was said that mounted rifles were not cavalry, and perhaps thaf was quite frue. During the war they had been asked if they favoured swords. He had looked upon them as extra lumber; in fact, he never saw' an opportunity on which a sword could have been used. The Anzac Division were all opposed to swords. At General Allenby’s grand finals they were all left behind, because they had no swords! (Laughter.) The period on active service he considered had been a very fine time, which had been marked by good comradeship which had grown into lifelong friendships. “The Old Brigade.” Colonel H. C. Hurst, in proposing “The Old Brigade,” said that when the brigade left for active service it was one of the finest mounted brigades ever seen. It owed much of its success to its training under General Sir Andrew Russell. The brigade had some wonderful officers, among them Major now Colonel) S. C. P. Nieholls, officer commanding the Southern Command. Colonel Nieholls, in reply, said that one of the finest compliments paid to the brigade had been that in any job for which mounted rifles were wanted, a squadron or regiment of the New Zealand Mounted Brigade always was asked for. Mounted .rifles in New' Zealand were now' organised on the same lines as cavalry in Great Britain, but had not adopted cavalry tactics. They did nut carry the sword, nor was there any intention lhat they should do so; it had not even been considered. If they went to war again they would go as mounted rifles and would not carry the sword. Recruits were still wanted for the mounted rifles in North Canterbury.