Mayor Welcomes “Dinks” To Christchurch Reunion

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30064, 23 February 1963, Page 13

Mayor Welcomes “Dinks” To Christchurch Reunion

Veterans of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade and their wives filled the Winter Garden last evening for the first assembly of their Dominion reunion. About 360 old soldiers and the wives of about 230 were present. A welcome to the “Dinks” on behalf of Christchurch’s City Council and citizens ws extended by the Mayor (Mr G. Manning!.

Referring to the city’s coloured lights, “specially put up to welcome you,” Mr Manning said the fact that brigade members had come from all parts of the Dominion indicated that the spirit of loyalty to each other and the brigade was still strong.

Replying to the Mayors welcome, Dr. L. C. L. Averill said he was pleased to see so many come so far and he confirmed Mr Manning's opinion that this showed the brigade was still strong in heart.

He reported the good wishes to all present of the people of Les Quesnoy which he visited not long ago. Dr. Averill said the name of the brigade and of New Zealand was still held in high and warm regard by the people of that town.

Then, grey-haired and balding former servicemen got together and reminisced about old battles and the good old times. Fastened to a pillar was a solitary flag. It was the flag presented to the brigade by the people of Les Quesnoy. Now looking a little musty, the flag was admired by many soldiers who took pride in showing it to their wives.

After a delegates’ meeting this morning, members will sit down to a reunion dinner at the Winter Garden tonight. A message of good will from the soldiers of World War II will be conveyed to them by Captain C., H. Upham.