SILVER JUBILEE

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 250, 3 August 1946, Page 7

SILVER JUBILEE

CANTERBURY MOUNTED RIFLES v The silver- jubilee reunion of the Canterbury Mounted Rifles, held in Christchurch last night, drew an attendance from all parts of New Zealand of men who saw active service with the regiment in Palestine in the 1924-18 war. The reunion was the 25th'the regiment had had in Christchurch since its men had returned from France, and many reminiscences of the campaign were told. A feature of the reunion was the remarkable warmth of the welcome gi\ r en by members to Colonel J. Find my, C. 8., D. 5.0., T.D., of Ashburton, who commanded the regiment in Palestine. When he arrived he was greeted Avith tumultuous cheers, and many references were made by speakers to his abilities as a commander in the field and to his qualities as a man. Mr W. Parkinson, who proposed the toast of the regiment, said that every man had been proud to serve under Colonel Findlay. They had known that under Iris command there had been no unnecessary loss of either lives or energy. Although the regiment had seen a considerable amount of action, ■fevery man in it kneAV that the perils he' faced Avere faced also by his colonel. •. ,

Brigadier E. T. Rowlings, Captain R. R. Newman (representing the Navy) and a brigade commander of a later war, Brigadier lan Bonifant (formerly of Ashburton) responded to the toast of the visitors, with the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews). The 'toast was proposed by Colonel H. C. Hurst. Mr Robin Harper proposed the toast of the Returned Services’ Association, which was replied to by Mr I). W. Russell, president of the Christchurch association. '