TRAFALGAR DAY DINNER.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 251, 22 October 1919, Page 10

TRAFALGAR DAY DINNER.

ROYAL NAVAL AND MARINES REUNION. Tbe annual Trafalgar dinner of the Royal Naval and the Royal Marine Association took place last night at the Strand Arcade. Mr. T. Allen (president) occupied the chair, and was supported on the left by Mr. W. B. Leyland, and on the right by the host, of the evening. Mr. lloorge Powley. Amongst the guests were Captain Hood, of the Navy League, and -Mr. CI. Stichhury, of tlie King's Empire Veterans. Captain Archer, one of the founders of the Association, was also ip attendance. Mr. S. Prior had the ooms gay with flags, and a large picture of Nelson occupied a prominent position. The dinner was all that could lave been desired, -and "churchwardens" were as usual provided during the evening, with plenty of real navy tobacco. The president welcomed back M_sma?" \V. Glibber}-, and stated that that gentlen._i; '.«d again accepted tbe position of secretary. Mr. Allen also referred to the death of two members, Messmates .1. Pridmore and Harrison. The toasts included "The King and Royal Family," proposed by the president: and "The Navy," by Mr. W. B. Leyland, who said that during tbe recent war the Navy had upheld the glorious, traditions of the past and had showed conclusively that the spirit of Nelson still lived. "The Light. Cruiser" was excellently recited by Mr. Val Atkinson. Mr. \V. Glibbery, who volunteered at the outbreak: of war, and was appointed chief shoreman of signals in Scotland, gave an interesting recital of some of his experiences while on active service. His description of the surrender of the Herman fleet was listened to with great interest. Mr. Glibhery, in illustration of the magnitude of the preparations for the Navy, 6tatcd that at one place there were two miles of oil tanks on the sea shore, "things liko big' gasometers," he added, "all camouflaged to look like rocks, as a protection against air craft.'' The fact was mentioned that Messmate George Watson, who was present, looking hale and hearty, had joined the Navy 65 years ago, and was in the Warrior, the first ironclad war vessel in the Navy. He was also one of the 14 men selected to go out in the Royal George, the first turret ship, when it was fired at to test its capabilities of resisting shot and shell. The old man remarked: "The admiral w_ on board, too. People 6»id one shot would put the turrets out of nction, hut after they were hit several times they seemed to- work .better."' Captain Archer moved, and it was carried, "That a vote of thanks be accorded Mr. 11. D. Heather, chairman of the Auckland Harhour Board, for according members of th e Association and the Ring's Empire Veterans the privilege ot parading on the wharf to welcome Admiral Lord Jellicoe." In responding to the toast of "Our Host," Mr. George Powley mentioned thnt he joined the Royal Navy in Auckland Harbour when a boy, and did not regret the time he had spent at sea. He expressed the hope that the ranks of their Association would be recruited from the men who had served in the Navy during the late war. The old hands were passing one hy one, and he thought it would be well if the young men joined to keep the Association going. Men who had seen service in the Motor Boat Patrol were also in bis opinion entitled to become members. If they got up a strong Association they might create a fund out of which indigent old messmates might be assisted The chairman thanked Mr. Prior for the tasteful decorations of the room and then all joined in "Auld Lang S Y ne '• after which the National Anthem' was sung.