WAR MEMORIES

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 235, 4 October 1937, Page 9

WAR MEMORIES

OLD CONTEMPTIBLES. SUCCESSFUL REUNION HELD. MAYOR'S NOTE OF WARNING. In an atmosphere of evident good fellowship and with all the enthusiasm that old soldiers can muster, the "Old Contemptibles" held their eleventh annual dinner and dance in the Ascot Reception Room on Saturday night. The president of the association, LieutenantColonel R. B. Phillips, presided over an attendance of over 200. Fallen comrades were honoured by a brief silence at the opening of the evening, and grace was said by the honorary chaplain, the Rev. G. V. Gerard.

"New Zealand is falling short of her responsibilities," said the Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis, a patron of the association. "Now is not the time for pious resolutions; we must prepare against another war.

"We should all be thankful that we have two such fighting ships as we have in our harbour at present," he continued. "Before they came to New Zealand we never had a ship worth calling a ship. Now, with collaboration with the Australian Navy, we have some protection for our coaste. God forbid that we may ever see such atrocities as we read about in the papers. We must be prepared." Epic Stand. Never to be forgotten was the stand which the Old Contemptibles made against the flower of the German army, said Mr. A. M. Ferguson, Belgian Consul in Auckland, in proposing the tqast of the association. Replying, Captain F. Short said that there were now 140 branches of the association in the world, one being in The Hague and another in Belgium. Three members and their wives, he added, had attended the Coronation at the request of the King.

Then followed the regimental roll call. And what a roll call! As the names were called one felt proud and even a little envious of those well-preserved young-old ex-Imperials, who had made history over twenty years" ago. "The Navy" was proposed by Sir Clutha Mackenzie, who paid tribute to the efficiency and valuable work of the Senior Service. Captain I. G. Glennie replied on behalf of Rear-Admiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond, who was unable to attend. The toast "Kindred Associations" was proposed by Mr. W. Pilgrim, the president of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, Mr. J. W. Kendall, responding. Mr. Pilgrim also proposed "Our Guests," Sir Ernest Davis replying. Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips proposed the toast to the King. The Official Guests. At the official table were, among others:—The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, Sir Clutha Mackenzie and Lady Mackenzie, Lieutenant-Colonel Phillips, Mr. A. M. Ferguson, Belgian Consul, and Mrs. Ferguson, Captain I. G. Glennie (representing the Royal Navy), Commander B. L. Hewitt (patron) and Mrs. Hewitt, Captain W. At well (patron), the Rev. G. V. Gerard, Mr. W. C. Pilgrim (host) and Mrs. Pilgrim (hostess).

Two cups were presented by Sir Ernest Davis. The first, for the most humorous story of the year, went to Mr. Thomas, and the shooting cup to Mr. Cameron. Telegrams of apology for absence were received from the GovernorGeneral, Viscount Galway, Mr. W. J. Lyon, M.P., and Captain R. S. Judson, V.C. Following the dinner, dancing was enjoyed. Dancing items were presented by Miss Doreen and Master Donald Dunn. Captain B. Houston, of the Black Watch, acted as master of ceremonies.