NEW ZEALAND OFFICERS

Evening Star, Issue 16994, 17 March 1919, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND OFFICERS

ENTERTAINED BY THE MAYOR OF BOURNEMOUTH. Avery pleasant function took place at the Grand Hotel. Bournemouth, on January 21 (says the Bournemouth ‘Echo’), when the Mayor (Alderman Ed. E. Bishop) entertained to dinner Lieutenant-colonel Barclay, V.D., and officers of the New Zealand Engineers’ Reserve Depot, Christchurch, whose departure from Bournemouth is impending. The gathering was of a farewell nature, the Mayor desiring that the occasion should mark in some small way the town’s appreciation of the happy relations which had existed between the troops and the municipality during their stay in the neighborhood. The Mayor presided, and those present included Lieutenant-colonel Barclay, V.D., N.Z.E.. Major A. Mitchell, C.F., Captain R. O. Phillips, N.Z., D.C.. Captain A. F. Grenfell. N.Z.E.F., Captain D. Chisholm Lee. N.Z., M.C., Lieutenant J. A. Smith, N.Z.E.. Second Lieutenant N. L. Higginson, Maori Battalion, Captain Dollirnore, N.Z.E., Captain E. A. Merchant, N.Z.E., Lieutenant C. M. Smith, N.Z., M.G.C., Lieutenant K. M. Barrance, N.Z.E., and Mr Robert Blair, N.Z., Y.M.C.A. The Mayor, in proposing the toast of “ The Guests,” said he had desired, before the officers of the N.Z.E. left Bournemouth and neighborhood, to entertain them in that way, because of the happy relations which had existed between them since their friends from the Dominions had been located in their midst. Although they were spoken of as colonials, they were regarded as our friends, and he might say, also, that they were absolutely British to the core. On behalf of the ipwn, he wished to express their great appreciation of the excellent behaviour and fine bearing of the men. O ftheir stay in Bournemouth the townspeople would always have pleasant recollections, and ho hoped that that would bo reciprocated. In conclusion, he wished the officers adn men every happiness and success. Lieutenant-colonel G. Barclay, in replying to the toast, said those present regarded it as a compliment to be entertained in such a warm-hearted manner by the Mayor before their departure from Bournemouth. During their stay here they had been most heartily welcomed by the municipality and twonspeople, and had at all times received the utmost kindness. The Mayor had taken the greatest interest in them during that time, and the relationship between them had been very happy. In conclusion, he assured the Mayor that the guests would carry away with them the most pleasant recollections of Bournemouth. Major Mitchell also replied, and referred to the hospitality which they had always received from the Mayor, whose patriotic efforts on behalf of the town and county he warmly eulogised Ho thought the officers and men had been fortunate in having been sent to such a beautiful town as Bournemouth. The Assistant Provost Marshal also paid a compliment to the good behaviour of th men, and congratulated Colonel Barclay on the excellent reputation they had main-

tained. addinv +hat they all regretted leavingßournemouth. The Mayor, later on, thanked theN.Z.E. for their presentation of a New Zealand flag, which would find an honored place in the municipal buildings.