N.M.R. REUNION

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 13770, 13 October 1942, Page 8

N.M.R. REUNION

TAURANGA COMPANY Memorable Gathering Lieut.-Colonel Bongard Honoured The first reunion of the Fourth Tauranga Company, National Reserve was held in the Continental Tea rooms on the evening of October 5, the gathering being a memorable one. There was a large attendance and during the evening the opportunity was taken of presenting to Lieu-tenant-Colonel J. R. Bongard M.C., a bound volume of the history of the company.

Major P. G. Doherty presided and extended a welcome to all those present. He stated that over 75 per cent, of the members of the company were present and expressed gratification of this fact. He gave a brief history of the company, and extended a special welcome to Captain G. Good of Hamilton, officer commanding the company for some time. Captain C. Adams proposed the toast, "The Fourth Company Taurar nga N.M.R." and in doing so said that when the company was formed most of its members were on the parade ground for the first time in 25 years. Drill methods had changed but they soon mastered t the new system. Responding to the toast, Captain Good said he had no regrets in having commanded such a keen and welldisciplined company. He recalled the remarks of General Sir Andrew Russell, who stated, after having seen the company at work, "You are to be congratulated. I have seen nothing better throughout my Dominion visit."

This toast was followed by the presentation to Lieutenant Colonel Bongard of an illustrated volume of the history of the company signed by every member, and, in making the presentation, Lieutenant Webb stated that every signature was a tribute to a fine leader and a good soldier. Sergeant Major Norris also paid a tribute to Lieutenant Colonel, who, he stated, went to the last war with him as a sergeant. He never sought bouquets and always considered those under his command.

In accepting the gift for Lieutenant Colonel Bongard, Major Doherty assured the company that the volume would be one of Lieutenant Colonel B'ongard's most treasured possessions. The toast "Second N.Z.E.F." was proposed by Captain Newton and was responded to by Company SergeantMajor G. Feebles, who spoke of the New Zealanders serving in the Middle East. He said that when the New Zealanders in Egypt heard that Japan was in the var they were all anxious to return to the Dominion thinking that the people at home had no protection. Since his return he had seen something of the enthusiasm and the work of the National Military Reserve and the Home Guard, and this had prompted him to assure his overseas brothers that they could do no better if they were here. Mention was made by him of the wonderful treatment given to the New Zealanders by the Greeks who would go without food to give it to the New Zealanders. "We should do everything we could to restore their country to them. Sergeant-Major Mcintosh proposed the toast "Tauranga Battalion, Home Guard" and this was responded to by Major J. Mackay who expressed pleasure at being invited to the function. He expressed the desiribility off all units co-operating to the full, stating that they were all one with the same aim. Other toasts honoured were:—The "Visitors," proposed by Major Doherty, and responded to by Mr G. Wills; "The Ladies," proposed by Company Sergeant-Major Hodgman, and responded to by Lieut H. Gaulton; "Second Hauraki Regiment," proposed by Lieut. A. H. Hilford, and responded to by Captain Miller; "Ex N.M.R. Personnel," proposed by Company Sergeant-Major Pattie, and responded to by Sergeant Snowden, Evans and Cpl. J. Steele; "The Awkward Squad," proposed by Sergeant Goulding and responded to by Privates Boak and Hay. During the evening several enjoyable items were given, the artists being Miss Thorpe who sang two songs, and Messrs McShane (piano), G. Wills, H. Gilmore Rodgers, R. J. Clarkson, and Private S. A. Woods.