SOUTH AFRICAN WAR

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27985, 4 June 1956, Page 7

SOUTH AFRICAN WAR

Peace Of Vereeniging Commemorated

VETERANS PARADE IN VICTORIA SQUARE In chilly winter weather about 40 veterans of the South African War paraded at Victoria square yesterday afternoon to commemorate the peace: of Vereeniging, signed on May 31, 1902, to end hostilities with the Boers, j Playing “Soldiers of the Queen,” the! band of the Ist Canterbury Regiment. I which included young military train-I ees, led the elderly “rough riders”! across from Armagh street to the statue; of Queen Victoria. After a short service conducted by Canon A. H. Norris, who served with the second contingent in the South African War, wreaths were laid at the statue of the Queen for whom these veterans i fought. While wreaths were being placed on behalf of the South’African Veterans’ Association, by Colonel Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, the Christchurch City Council, the Christchurch branch of the Returned Services’ Association, and the I Homeservicemen’s Association, the band played “Our Fallen Heroes.” The ceremonv ended with the sounding of “Last Post” by two cornetists from the band. Then to the tune of “Boys of the Old Brigade,” soldiers of more than half a century ago marched from the statue along Oxford terrace to the rooms of the South African Veterans’ Association in Club lane for a cup of tea. After the band came the colourbearer carrying the association’s flag, followed by the president (Mr R. H. Hayes). They marched with the slow tread of age, but not one man was out of step with the leader along the route. The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr R. M. Macfarlane, M.P.), reorcsenttng the Christchurch City Council, took part in the parade, as well as representatives of the Returned Services’ Association and the Homeservicemen’s Association. Relatives of many veterans followed the parade to Club lane on foot and in cars in case any of the marchers needed assistance. None of them did.