SERVICE ON VELDT

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 219, 12 June 1930, Page 15

SERVICE ON VELDT

South African Campaign THE SIXTH CONTINGENT The twenty-eighth reunion of members of the Sixth New Zealand Contingent which took part in the South African War of thirty years ago was held in Wellington recently, when “Sixers from all parts of the Dominion forgathered to recall incidents of the veldt and the campaign. Lieut.-Colonel R. Evatt. of Wellington, presided. Following tlie Royal toast, the secretary (Mr. E. Taylor) read correspondence and telegrams from old campaigners in other parts of the Dominion and Australia, wishing the function every success. ’’ „ I The toast of “Fallen Comrades, proposed by the chairman, was honoured in ! silence. The roll of “Sixers” who have fought their last battle now contains the names of 118 officers, n.c.o.’s, and men. The editor of the “Sixth Contingent Magazine” (Mr. Frank Beamish), wrote asking all old comrades not to forget’ their literary contributions to the “mag., the official annual publication. Many expressions of aP"-eciation w’ere voiced for ; the untiring efforts of Mr. Beamish in 1 the compilation of the magazine. | Several “Sixers” were present at the 1930 reunion for the first time, and mingled with their Sixtli Contingent comrades on the first occasion for almost 30 years. Cornoral C. J. Little, of Auckland, brought with him numerous photographs and snapshots of incidents on tlie veldt during the South African War. , Not the least interesting of his exhibits was a copv of “The Cornwall Clipper,” edited by L’aptain (now Colonel) J. S. Purdy, being an account of the voyage of the s.s. Cornwall from Wellington to Sydney, via Auckland, with the Sixth Contingent, on route to Cape Town. The complement of the Cornwall was 560 rank and file. The officers were: Lieut.Colonel Banks (in command), of Auckland; Captain A. W. Andrew (adjutant). Captain N.‘ J. Markham, and Captnili and Quartermaster D. Cosgrove (Christchurch). Medical staff: Surgeon-Major Sherman (Marton), Surgeon-Captain J. S. Purdy (Wellington), Surgeon-Captain i E. O’Neill (Dunedin); Lieutenants A- I B. Rose, of Wellington : M. 11. J. Jones, of Canterbury: R. M, Williams, of Christchurch; F. B. Sykes, of Auckland: W. F. Wallis, of First Contingent: J. M. Mitchell, of First Contingent: F. A Wood, of First Contingent: J- McDon aid, of First Contingent; W. C. Morrison, of First Contingent; C.-Blenk-horti, of First Contingent. The First Contingent officers were returning for duty with the Sixth Contingent. The veterinary surgeon was Lieut. McEachern, of Auckland.