1ST BATTEEY, N.Z.F.A.

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 31, 6 August 1934, Page 14

IST BATTEEY, N.Z.F.A.

ANNUAL REUNION

Possibly no unit which served with the N./i.K.F. during the Great War has such a iine esprit de corps as the First Buttery, N.Z.F.A- Every year since 1920 tho survivors of this unit have met to revive friendships- f orincd' and' to exchange reminiscences, and the gathering this year, hold on Saturday n.ight, was probably the most successful ever, held, there being over forty members present.

Lieut.-Colonel Lyou presided, and amongst present .wore Colonel Syinon, C.M.i?., D.5.0., Dr. Doctor, Captains Bennett and Burchain, Lieut. M.cICcnzitf, I|V. Home (Auckland), Pollock, Comagcr, Fly (Mastertou), and Cluniesllons "(Blenheim).. , : . . ; After . thb. loyal, toast, and . that of "Absent' Comrades" .had: been honoured, Dr. Doctor proposed the toast of. the regiment, and in * a particularly interesting manner conveyed by the use of .the- five senses a- wonderful recollection "of die strenuous days passed on active service. "Can you ever forget," asked the speaker, "the smell, of warm leather and sweating horses, the sight of. a brigade. of artillery on trek, or.the sound ..of-the vicious bark of "an ■181b;.,battery, in action, the taste of dixie.tca-,.or'thefeel of a; hot' gun -'muzzle; after a charge hail' been, fired?" Those things would never be forgotten ■. by the gunners, and tributes were paid to their splendid devotion to duty, and. especially to their, wonderful .comradeships formed during times of stress and peril.. The toast was responded to by Colonel Symon, who paid a tribute to.the Volunteer officers and n.c.o.s who, before the war, by their unselfish work, had laid the foundation "'of the. New Zealand Field Artillery. He hoped that wherever possible •'- those' present would do their best to help along the present Territorial movement.

Captain Barchain proposed the toast of the New Zealand Nursing Service, and stressed the fact that not only had those devoted women given of their best during the war, but had carried on since their return, and were still in many cases fighting the battles of the returned men, against sickness and Colonel Lyon, in response, also pointed out that many of these women war workers were getting together in special commitees to help,the R.S.A. movement, in (heir work of helping the unemployed "Diggers," and no praise could 'be too high for tho. wonderful .work • they were doing. Musical items were contributed by Messrs. Bolson, Heath, and; MeKenzic, accompanied by Mr. Doultoa on the piano.