OFFICERS' CLUB GATHERING.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 66, 18 March 1919, Page 6

OFFICERS' CLUB GATHERING.

SIR R. WALKER FAKEWELLED. Sir Robort. Walker, formerly General Staft' Oflicer ut Auckland, who is shortlyreturning- to England, was iormally farewelled at a meeting of the members of the Garrison Officers' Club last evening. Sir Robert Walker is an Imperial officer i with the rank of captain in the Coldstream Guards, with whom he served in France in 1914. He was invalided home shortly after the battle of Neuve Chappelle, and later came to New Zealand, where he was appointed infantry instructor at Trentham Camp. He was subsequently appointed general staff officer at Auckland, from which position he resigned recently after two years' service in this capacity. There was a large attendance of officers from all parts of the Auckland district. Colonel J. Stevenson, president of the club, who occupied the chair, spoke of the service rendered by Sir Robert Walker while attached to the Auckland District Headquarters Staff. In time of war, this position called for special ability, sound military knowledge, judgment and tact, and Sir Robert Walker had shown that he possessed these qualities in a high degree. The manner in which he had carried out his duties could not fail to give the greatest satisfaction to everyone. The great interest taken by Lady Walker in the territorial scheme, as shown by the fact that she had given valuable trophies to be competed for by the various units, had also been greatly appreciated.

In reply, Sir Robert Walker thanked the officer of the Auckland district for the support they had always accorded him. He made feeling refertnce to the late officer commanding- the district. Colonel G. W. S. Patterson. He had never served under a more genialhearted or kindly officer. In speaking , of the territorial system, Sir Robert Walker 6aid that apparently great changes in the scheme were pending, and he expressed a hope that the territorial officers who had worked so hardi during the war period, would give their whole-hearted support to the new system. The name that New Zealand soldiers had won in the war was one of the proofs of success of territorial military training in the Dominion.