A BRIGHT AFTERNOON.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 301, 20 December 1926, Page 10

A BRIGHT AFTERNOON.

KING'S EMPIRE VETERANS. ANNUAL REUNION ON SATURDAY. Some forty-five veterans, together with a large number of their friends and relatives, enjoyed a harbour excursion on the steamer Condor on Saturday afternoon, when the annual reunion of the King's Empire Veterans was observed. Captains H. Goodwyn Archer and J. Stitchbury were in charge of the veterans, who thoroughly enjoyed the outing. With the swift march of the years, fewer and still fewer of these old soldiers attend the annual reunions, at which they have an admirable opportunity of discussing the stirring events of their early life. Boy Scouts and Wolf Cubs from the St. David's troop, and a section of the St- Barnabas Girl Guides accompanied the party, and during tbe afternoon gave - number of entertaining items, including a baka. Bright musical numbers were supplied by a professional band. The excursion extended over a period of two hours. Before proceeding in the direction of the heads, the steamer approached close to the warships lvin_ at Calliope Dock, in order that " the veterans might greet the sailors. Cheers were given by way of salutation. Congratulations were offered Captain Stitchbury on his recovery from his recent illness. Regret was expressed at the absence of Rev. Mr. Giilam. chaplain to tbe veterans, who was unable to be present owing to indisposition. The oldest member present was a Maori war veteran, Mr. John Wilks, aged 92 years. The National Anthem and "Auld"Lan« -•yne brought the outing to a close, anas the veterans passed down the °_n_7&m *_*"* ° f bonour Ka * formed by tbe Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, which greatly pleased the old fellows