WELLINGTON REGIMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 128, 4 May 1925, Page 12

WELLINGTON REGIMENT

ANNUAL REUNION. GATHERING AT SHOWGROUNDS. The annual reunion of the Wellington Regiment N.Z.E.F., was held at the Manawatu A. and P. Showgrounds on Saturday night, when there was a reperesentative gatnering of over 100 of all ranks presided over by LieutenantColonel Cunningham. Numerous apologies for absence were received Irom men all over New Zealand. In welcoming those present,' the chairman referred to the unavoidable cancellation of the fixture last year, and stated that the spirit which was incorporated at Awapuni in 1914 seemed to draw everyone back to Palmerston North. Following the loyal toast, that of “The Wellington Regiment” was proposed by Mr J. A. Nash, M.P., who made reference to the early days of the unit, when the men assembled at Awapuni, under the late Colonel Malone. Their old commander, stated the speaker, although a\ strict disciplinarian, was a man full of kindness, and he had left nothing undone for the welfare of the regiment. His name was revered and c ould long be remembered. While in 'i mp hero the regiment had been highly thought of, and any requests of Colonel Malone’s had been cheerfully receded to. The freedom of the town had then been conferred upon the men by the speaker, who was at that time Mayor, and this privilege, he hoped, would again be accorded by the present chief citizen. In responding to the toast, the chairman stated that when the regiment had been in camp at Awapuni, Mr Nash had ever been willing to assist in any way possible, and had placed many facilities at the disposal of the men. Geographically and sentimentally, Palmerston North was the best place for the reunion, and while the regiment’s memorials remained in All Saints’ Church, the men would continue to meet here as long as they were able.

In proposing the toast of “Other Arms,” Brigadier-General H. E. Hart stated that wonderful assistance had been given the infantry by the other units, which ho was glad to see were well represented that evening, notably the Wellington Mounteds. Colonel C. G. Powles, in responding on behalf of the mounted men, referred to the association of his unit with the infantry in Egypt and on Gallipoli, and paid tribute to the late Colonel Malone, both as a soldier and a gentleman. Colonels J. M. Rose and F. Turnbull and Major R. Hardie also responded, the last-named receiving a fine reception. “The Manawatu A. and P. Association and the Mayor and Councillors of Palmerston North was a toast proposed by Colonel F. Turnbull, who, in doing so, said that this town was, in effect, the headquarters of the regiment and would always be looked upon as such.

In responding, the Mayor said that the town would always be pleased to have the regiment here at its annual reunion, and that Palmerston North appreciated the behaviour of the men while in camp at Awapuni. It gave him pleasure to fall in with Mr Nash’s suggestion that the freedom of the town should bo accorded the men. Speaking as a vice-president of the A. and P. Association, he stated that that body would always be pleased to give the regiment every facility it could for the holding of the annual reunion. Next year he hoped to be able to show those present Palmerston North’s memorial to their former comrades. So far as the townspeople of Palmerston North were conoerned, he could assure the regiment they wanted its members to feel in the words of Colonel Turnbull that in coming to Palmerston North for their reunion they were indeed “coming home.” In responding on behalf of the A. and P. Association, Mr Nash, as president, stated that the regiment would never be turned down when it made application for the hall. The toast of “The Visitors” was in the hands of Colonel E. P. Cox, who referred to the presence of Majors J. T. Bosworth and F. Garner and the Rev. W. Fancourt. A face that was missing was that of Rev. H. G. Blackbourne, who had given the regiment great assistance in the past, but the speaker felt sure that Rev. Fancourt would prove a worthy successor. The regiment at its previous reunions had never bad a Maori War veteran present, and very much appreciated the attendance that evening of Major Garner.

Responding, Rev. Fancourt and Majors Bosworth and Garner expressed the pleasure they felt at being present, the last-named on rising to speak being greeted with cheers and “Tor He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” “The Old Territorial Units” was proposed by Colonel Whyte, who, in doing so, mentioned that General Russell rose from the pre-war forces, which held a very high reputation. Since coming back from the Great War many officers had taken on or resumed territorial services and were doing good work. Colonel H. Holderness, in response, spoke of the excellent value that service in the Territorials had been to those who had gone overseas. In proposing the toast, “Absent Comrades,” Lieutenant Perry made a very strong imperial plea, and asked whether those present were playing the game by their fallen comrades if they purchased other than British goods. Besides the ovations given Majors Garner and Hardie, another was accorded Major W. J. Hardham, V.C., later in the evening. During the evening the Tui Entertainers rendered numerous selections, while the following contributed vocal or elocutionary items: Messrs B. J. Jacobs, W. B. Lambert, H. Mcßae and F. Turnbull.

CHURCH PARADE. AT ALL SAINTS’. The usual church parade in connection with the reunion was held at All Saints’ Church yesterday morning, when there was an excellent muster of all ranks. Rev. W. Fancourt canducted the service, while Padre Walls, of Wellington, read appropriate Scripture passages. Special hymns were also sung. “Brothers who have fought for us—we greet you on this happy morning and convey our joy to you at your presence,” said Mr Fancourt in his address. “To-day, in the communion of Saints, we remember the comrades who counted not their lives dear unto death; weep not for them, for they have passed through the veil to a happier sphere. To them has been granted the pardon, love and mercy of God,

for in losing their lives they found them. As we look on the Great War, the greatest ever recorded in history, we see that it was one of the great turning points in the world’s progress. Great issues depended upon the result —whether all that which had been accomplished during the last two thousand years was going to be lost, whether the world, with all its civilisation, refinement and progress, was to turn to barbarism and vandalism, and whether righteousness or might was to reign. Faith, courage, cheerfulness and indomitable perseverance carried on triumphantly through all the dangers and difficulties and brought you victoriously to the end. The world to-day presents a sorry spectacle. Perhaps you wonder if it was worth fighting for. It is a world l>efore which lies the alternative of life or death, and the choice between glory and reason. The world cries for help. .Who shall deliver it from the great evil? It is longing to be saved, and yet not knowing how to save itself. It is a world that cries for soldiers, faithful and true, to fight the battle of righteousness and truth. You soldiers stand for much more than you realise in the community. Your influence extends far and wide. It is for you to enter into this great world war with all your enthusiasm in order to save the world and we can only do it by. living our lives, not for ourselves, but for others and in so doing finding our glory and happiness.” At the conclusion of the service the choir rendered Stainer’s “Te Deum,” which was followed by the Benediction and the National Anthem.