N.Z.E.F. REUNION.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 229, 27 September 1937, Page 9

N.Z.E.F. REUNION.

GATHERING IN AUCKLAND.

MAIN BODY MEN Mi:FT

All divisions of the Main Bodv of New Zealand troops which went to the Great War were represented at the third reunion of the New Zealand Expeditionary Korce Main Body Association, held in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall on Saturday evening. There was an attendance- of 250 men from all parts of New Zealand at the dinner. After the toast to the King had been honoured, the chairman, Mr. J. G. Gasparich, proposed the toast to "Our comrades who have passed away." The proposer spoke of the men who had been left in Gallipoli, Egypt and France, and those who bad passed away since the war. The toast was honoured in silence.

In proposing the toast to "The Old Contemptibles," Sir Clutha Mackenzie told < of a world-wide reunion of returned soldiers he had attended in Rome. German representatives had spoken with respect of the Old Contemptibles. The response was made by Mr. W. Pilgrum, a, member of the Old Contemptibles.

Other toasts were: "The Navy," proposed by Mr. C. S. Swan, the response being made by Mr. J. D. Beattie; "The Mercantile Marine," proposed by Mr. J. C. Self, response by Captain H." H. Sergeant; "Absent Comrades," proposed by Mr. W. Mackenzie, response by Mr. 1\ (/Sullivan; "The Visitors," proposed by Mr. L. C. Brown, response by Mr. W. A. Hampton; "The K.5.A.," proposed by Mr. K. D. Cowie, response by Mr. W. H. Kendall.

After the formal programme, the men lived again the days at the front, reviving old comradeships and recalling never-to-be-forgotten experiences. Entertainment was provided by Messrs. B. Watson (song and dance), E. Maxwell (piano), C. R. Gardner (cornet), and A. Matthews (ventriloquist). Parade at Cenotaph. The reunion wa3 continued in a parade at the Domain on Sunday morning. Wreaths were laid on the cenotaph and a service conducted by Mr. L. C. Brown. He spoke of the spirit of camaraderie and confidence developed during the war, which would never die out. "We are proud to honour the comrades we loved and admired," he said. The men sang the hymn "Abide With Me," accompanied by the Balmoral Boys' Band. Wreaths were presented by the Main Body Association and the Ota go Regiment.