THE SERGEANT SAID—

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 88, 15 April 1939, Page 12 (Supplement)

THE SERGEANT SAID—

A Little Child Shall Lead Them

It was during the days when the New Zealanders were moving up to fill the gap when the Germans made tlfe big push at Amiens and the sth Army fell back. On the way up the New Zealanders had little to guide them since the German advance was spent and had failed to take advantage of the absence of troops in front of them. It was a strange feeling to be going forward to take over a section of the line with no one to take over from. There was nothing to be done but carry on till they met with resistance from the enemy. Occasional small groups of British troops were met seeking to rejoin their scattered regiments. One such group was encountered, weary, and haggard from their terrible experience during the great battle. The leader of the forlorn little group was a young British officer, recently up from a public school, one would judge. He asked for directions to guide his party to their battalion headquarters. As the New Zealanders resumed their way forward, the sergeant in charge was heard to say quietly, "Well! Well! And a little child shall lead them!" With what feelings he made the remark it is hard to say, but I think it was with a touch of pity, a touch of humour and a touch of admiration. P.D.K. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ NEWMARKET R.S. CLUB Annual Meeting Held The annual reports submitted to the Newmarket R.S. club showed the club to be in a strong financial position, with membership on the increase. Mr. C. E. White presided over a large attendance. The activities of the club continue to be keenly followed by all the members, and during the evening prizes were presented as follows:—D. McL. Wallace Cup for 100 yds Diggers 1 Championship (run at picnic), E. R. Williams; indoor bowls, singles championship, W. Hepworth, with L. Keys runner-up. G. Haslett was presented with an alarm clock in recognition of his services as club steward during the past year. Thanks were accorded for gifts from Mr. H. Isaac, Ellerslie Hotel (cricket ball), and Mr. Grey, of Odlins. Limited. The club has paid visits to several kindred clubs during the year, and invitations are extended for return of compliments. The election of office-bearers resulted as follows: —Patron, Mr. S. Donaldson, Mayor of Newmarket; president, Mr. C. E. White; vice-presidents, Messrs. W. Cliffe, L. Keys, J. Morris;; hon. secretary, Mr. F. J. Bates, 55 Middleton Road, Panmure; hon. treasurer, Mr. T. T. Wright: committee, Messrs. F Middleton. C. Dell, A. M. Clarke, J. Cotton, H. Stevens, G. Elmbank, J. Storey, W. Hepworth, E. R, Williams. ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ VISIT TO SYDNEY Diggers' Reunion It has been arranged to hold the "Reunion" of the Auckland branch of the New Zealand contingent to Sydney, in the Tiffin Dining Rooms, Queen Street, Auckland, on Saturday. April 22. at 8 p.m. A good night is'assured to one and all, and it is hoped that there will be a good muster of "troops." The following artists have offered their services:—Reece and Riley, Jimmy Fitzpatrick, of radio fame; Snow Allen, song leader; and a host of others. Anybody requiring information write T. Jackson, 52,Eomty Bead, Pftift Chart lier.