Centennial Plaque Unveiled

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31530, 18 November 1967, Page 14

Centennial Plaque Unveiled

The unveiling was the first function of the E Battery centennial celebrations, which are being held in Christchurch this week-end. It was attended by about 12 former members of E Battery—which was disbanded in 1921 and more than 100 others who had been associated with the battery. The oldest former member of the battery present was Mr F. W. Freeman, who joined the battery in 1903 and was a member for about six years. The history and traditions

of E Battery were interwoven with the development of Christchurch, Sir George Manning said. The ceremony honoured the contribution the men of E Battery had made towards preserving the New Zealand’s freedom and democratic institutions. Former Christchurch city councillors had been members of the battery, and a former Mayor, Mr Charles Allison, had been a prime mover in its formation. Sir George Manning said. The plaque was dedicated

by the Rev. L. Allison, a great-grandson of Mr Charles Allison. Other members of the official party included the commanding officer of No. 3 Field Regiment (Lieutenant-Colonel J. R. Gregory), LieutenantColonel R. E. Johnston, Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel I. D. Bell, the patron of the centennial committee. Colonel R. C. Wickens, a former battery commander of E Battery, Major A. C. Iversen, commander of 32 Battery, Captain D. C. Richardson, the president of the artillery officers’ mess, and Major-General (retired) G. B. Parkinson. A centennial ball was held at H.M.N.Z.S. Pegasus last evening; an artillery display will be held in Hagley Park at 2 p.m. today.

The photograph, taken after the unveiling of the plaque, shows the Mayor with Mr Freeman and Lieutenant-Colonel Gregory.