The 65th Regiment

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 232, 28 June 1935, Page 13

The 65th Regiment

Sir, —In my letter in Tuesday’s “Dominion” it is made to appear that the public library now occupies the site of the old military barracks nt Napier. This is not so, as the site of the barracks is now occupied by the Napier Public Hospital.—l am, etc., RUSSELL DUNCAN. Napier, June 26. Sir,—Mr. Russell Duncan, in your issue of June 25, has supplied interest-; ing details of the 65th Regiment being stationed at Napier, as well as other Imperial troops which followed. As stated by Mr. Duncan, the barracks built by the 65th stood for many years until pulled down to make room for the Napier Public Hospital, not public library as stated in Mr. Duncan’s .letter —evidently a slip of the pen. ' With reference to Quartermaster Withers (later captain anil then major), as a drill instructor he was second to none, and when the volunteers and militia were on parade in Clive Square his powerful voice could be heard all over Napier, then a small village. The major was a fine musician, and took an active part in Napier’s Philharmonic Society, which used to give concerts in the old provincial council chambers. He also formed the first choir in connection with the original Church of England, erected behind Dr. Lebay’s present residence in what was then known' as Church Lane. Major Withers's youngest son, Alf, followed in. his father’s footsteps as,a soldier, serving close on 40 years, first in the Armed Constabulary, then he joined the New Zealand Permanent Forces, reaching the rank of warrant officer. He was retired on superannuation in 1911, and remained in Wellington, where he died in 1916. The mention of 65th Street reminds me that in that locality, in a private home for old men, lives Major Chicken, who at one time had command of the Hawke’s Bay district. He was a prominent member, as a cornet player, in the first brass band formed in Napier in the '6o’s. The major was also present, as a volunteer, together with Major Withers, at the Omarunui engagement near Taradale. Unfortunately Major Chicken is a semiinvalid ; but he thoroughly enjoys a “crack” over old times, and can still tell some good yarns—all true ones! —I am, etc., J.M. Marton, June 26.