A POPULAR OFFICER

Evening Star, Issue 20864, 6 August 1931, Page 11

A POPULAR OFFICER

COLONEL H. E. BARROWGLOUGH FAREWELLEB A smoko concert was hold last night by the members of the Otago Officers Club, when the opportunity was taken to bid farewell to Colonel 11. It. Barrowdough, D. 8.0., M.C., officer commanding the Third Now Zealand Infantry Brigade, who is leaving Dunedin at an early date. The president (Lieutenantcolonel A. S Falconer) was in the chair, and there was a good attendance representing various anus of the lenitorial and permanent forces. . In his opening remarks, the Chairman said tliat it was felt the members of tbo club could not let Colonel Barrowclough leave without wishing him Godspeed. Ho had been a prominent figure in both military and civil life, and Ids departure would bo a distinct loss to Dunedin. A welcome was extended to the visitors, who included iMajor A. 15. Williams and Major It. Bowe, of the normanent forces, Mr M. F Forrester (president of the Dunedin R.'S.A.), Major L. 0. Fercns-(secretary of the Dunedin R.S.A.), and Captain .) M. White (late secretary of the r.rla.). '’ , , After Iho Royal toast had been lioncured, tlte Ciuuinuui suid thufc jio mgs. both pleased and honoured to count Colonel Bairowclougli amongst his friends. His record was one of which any man might bo proud. Having risen from the ranks during ilic war, Colonel Burrowclough had returned to New Zealand with many honours and of high rank. His military career had started with tho Otago Regiment, Igit later ho had boon transferred to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. He was a keen soldier, and during bis student had found time to interest himself m Icmtorial training, while on his return from service abroad ho had served with tho Otago Regiment as second m command and later as its commanding officer. When his period of command had expired ho had been appointed to tho command of tho Third Inlantry Brigade. • Colonel. Barrowclough had also made his marie in civil life, having performed yeoman service lor both tho Keel Cross Society, tho Otago Aero Club, and various other bodies in winch bo had been interested. The speaker was sure that Dunedin was suffering a very severe loss indeed. It was seldom that a man played u part in so many spheres of social and official life, in conclusion, Colonel Falconer wished Colonel Barrowclough good fortune and health in his new life. . Mr Forrester referred to the services that Colonel Barrowclough bad performed in connection with tho Returned Soldiers’ Association during bis period in command; of the regiment. In replying, Colonel Barrowclough said ho found it very difficult to express his feelings adequately, and it was touching to feel that lus brother officers regarded him in such a manner. Ho had been interested in military affairs since Ids youth, and when ho came to Dunedin in 1913 had joined tho University Company of tho Otago Regiment and was appointed to command a platoon, without rank. On the outbreak of war in 1914 lie enlisted and was made a sergeant, but was reduced to tho ranks through a technicality On his arrival in camp at Troiitham. Ho was later promoted to Ids old riinlc, however, and placed in command of a platoon. He was very fond of the work, ami later took a commission and was transferred to the Mew Zealand Ilillo Brigade, under General Fulton. Ho had" made many good friends in the army, and sometimes lie. wished to bo in it again, and bo looked back with pride on some of bis experiences. ITiR one regret was that ho was not in General Aileiihy’s victorious ride to Damascus. During Ids residence in Dunedin ho inul made many very good friends, and it would lie a severe break when ho loft them. He regretted that he was to sever Ids connection, with the active forces and become relegated to the army of “dug-outs,” but he hoped that bo would bo able to help the forces in a civilian capacity. Regarding tho Territorial forces, Colonel Barrowclough said I hey were going, through a very difficult phase, and it behoved everyone to do all in Ids power to keep the units '■■dug. He -paid particular tribute to he junior officers for their willingness lo carry on under adverse conditions. It was his opinion that in tho event of another war it would not he between two armies, hub between tbo whole resources of nations, and tho victory would go to the side that was first ill tho field. So . that this could be, done, ho would like to see the. whole population organised so that there would bo no time lost if war broke out. Tho officer who would probably take command of tho brigade after him was a fine man and would do Ids work well. The speaker thanked them all for their good wishes, and said they wore heartily reciprocated. During the evening items were contributed by Desses M'Donahl, Ansell, Holden, Alee Regan, Bryant. C. Williams, and Fraser,