THE OLD BRIGADE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 158, 4 July 1916, Page 2

THE OLD BRIGADE.

EIGHTEENTH ROYAL IRISH. REUNION TO-DAY. The fifty-third anniversary of the landing in Auckland of the ISth Royal Irish Kigiment to take part in the Waikato war was celebrated to-day by the customary re-union at the Albert Park, followed by a dinner in the Strand Arcade. Of course the function wa? not a public one. but still it seemed a pity that the veterans of half a century ago were not welcomed by someone in authority, also that the Union Jack was not floating from the flagstaff in Albert Park, where the men and women assembled. Wonderfully well some of the old soldiers looked. Mr J. A. Clark, eighty-five years of age, was seen carrying his end of an iron seat to arrange the group at the foot of the IJueen's statue. His Crimea medal bore the four clasps for Balaclava, Alma, Inkerman and Sebastopol. Col.-Sergeant W. Forsyth, of Wanganui, was once again director of ceremonies, and brought witli him a Union Jack to grace tlie parade. When these reunions started three years ago. the number of members known in New Zealand was 29, but more have come forward since, and now about--40 men and women of the old regiment are in evidence. During tho. year J. Sheehy is the only one mustered out. Some were present to-day for the first time. One lady visitor who was warmly welcomed was Mrs. Colonel Butt, from 'Wellington. Mrs. (Sergeant) T. McLaughlin was present from Christc.hurch while others attended from Botorua. Wanganui and Hawcra. The parade to-day was as follows: Captain Shaw, Colour-Sergeant W. Forsyth (Wanganui), Sergeant Hutchinson, Sergeant Carey (Wanganui), Corporal Dempsey (Veterans' Home). Robert Little (Auckland). W. Kent (Rotorua), James B. Kanihan (Veterans' Home). James Farrell (Wanganui), Thomas Banes (Hawera). E. McMillan (Wanganui) ,W. H. Clarke. Artillery (Veterans' Home). H. Waite (Auckland). John Stevenson (Auckland), P. Starkey (Auckland), Charles Clarke (Auckland)", J. A. Clark (Auckland). Tho following women were present who arrived with the regiment 53 years ago: Mesdames Hutchinson, Hart, and Den;:. Mrs. T. Ennes, who is a niece of General Blood, Clare Castle Ireland, brought with her an interesting souvenir of the old regiment, namely, some of the table linen of the officers' moss, bearing the arms and honours, including New Zealand. It should be explained the honours of tho 18th Royal Irish Regiment date lack to Namur, in the days of the great Dukn of Marlborough. The second 6on of Sergeant Burke was present, wearing his ancestors' medahi, and Mrs. Agnes Nelson, of Parnell, attended wearing the medals of her father, Corporal Edmund Barstow. Mrs. Ewen. who was present, was stated to be the widow of the first man of the regiment killed at Kirikiri on July 22, 1863. A son of Colonel (afterwards General) Gregory attended the parade, and was placed in tho position of honour at the front. About noon the men formed in line, at the command of Sergeant Forsyth, who led the way playing the "British Grenadiers" as the veterans marched to lunch at the Strand"Arcade.-" " « w|r . THE-LUNCHEON. Over 40 attended the luncheon at the Strand Cafe. As on previous reunions, the music was provided by the orchestra of Miss Denz. A violin 6010 was contributed by Miss Beryl Clarke, and little Miss Gladys Denz. a great-grand-daughter of the regiment, executed i several dances in admirable style. This i young lady has kept up tho reputation of the regiment for medals, being a winner of a gold one for the terpsichorean art. The usual loyal toasts were dnly honoured before the function terminated.