"THE DINKS."

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19312, 17 May 1928, Page 12

"THE DINKS."

record of the brigade, first reunion. The first reunion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade ("The Dinks"), Which was held last night in Jellicoe Hall, must be regarded as a great success, the building being almost uncomfortably crowded. Colonel A. E. Stewart, C.M.G., D.5.0., the senior living officer of the Brigade, presided ov<?r a very enthusiastic gathering, which honoured appropriate toasts and joined in the singing of a number of old soldiers' songs. After the toast of "The King" had been honoured, that of "Fallen Comradies" was proposed by the chairman, who stated that over 3000 "Dinkums" had been killed, including General Fulton. The toast was drunk in silence. In proposing the toast of "The Brigade" Lieutenant-Colonel N. W. B. B. Thorns, D.5.0., M.C., N.Z.S.C., said that the six days lie had with the Brigade gave him reason to feel proud. War inculcated! a love for one's comrades and unit, and he believed that the Government made a, wise decision in sending the Rifle Brigade to the Front. The original Brigade, founded 100 years ago, was composed of men who made up their minds to be second to none, anil the New Zealand Brigade had carried on in a similar spirit. From a term of reproach the term "Dinks" had become one of honour. The Brigade made a name for itself wherever it fought, and .it had never failed to gain its objective, while at PasSchendaele it had sustained perhaps the greatest casualties of any single Unit. He paid a tribute to the "Father of the Brigade," the' late General Fulton, and said that, although it was said that as a_ Brigade the "Dinks" had ceasedi to exist, their spirit could never die. Responding, the chairman said today the Brigade had only its memories —it had no territorial unit to carry on its great traditions. General Pulton was killed, but his spirit was still alive, and was with them on the present occasion. . The Brigade did not get its proper place in the sun until the Battle of the Sommfc, 1916, but to*day it was honoured by historians. It had gained two Victoria Crosses, which were awarded to Lieut. S. Friclcleton and Sergeant Laurent, and a large number of other decorations. As for the present, he. considered it the duty of the Brigade to support the Territorials. He had no time for conscientious objectors, in which connexion he was opposed to the Presbyterian Church, of which he was a member. He would fight, as long as he was able, to alter the attitude of the Church in this respect. The motto of the Territorials was "defence not defiance," and they deserved all the assistance that the members of the Brigade could give them. The toast, of "Kindred Units" was proposed by Lieut.-Colonel J. Murphy, and responded to by Lieut.-Colonel Thorns CN.Z. Staff Corps), Lieut.-Colonel R. C. Wickena (N.Z.F.A.), Lieut-Colonel H. C. Hurst, D.S.O. (N.Z. Mounted Rifles), and Captain J. Crampton (First Battalion, Canterbury Regiment) The president of the Christchurch Returned' Soldiers' Association, Mr G. W. Lloyd, was given the opportunity to give a short address on the objects of the Association. A number of items was given during the evening by various artists. '