R.S.A. REUNION.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 12 November 1934, Page 4

R.S.A. REUNION.

SOOTH AFRICAN MEMORIES

The annual reunion of the Feilding R.S.A., on Saturday night, was unique in that the address was given by one who had borne arms against the British forces in the South African War, the narrator being Mr J. Rossan, whose account of Jiis experiences with the Boer forces evoked considerable attention among the large number of members present. Mr T. K. Hay, president of the Feilding R.S.A., was in the chair, and said he was pleased to welcome such a good representation of South African veterans among those present. Mr Hay also was pleased to welcome the Mayor (Mr C. E. Taylor), and invited him to address the assemblage.

After expressing his pleasure at being present, Mr Taylor spoke of his memories of the Feilding men who left 34 years ago for South Africa to serve with the unit known as the Rough Riders. Referring then to the Great War, the Mayor said it was proper that comrades of the two conflicts should join in a reunion and thought it unique that they should be 'having as their guest one who had fought against them. Wars generally brought about a state of bitterness that took many years to efface, but the finding of Mr Roseau among the gathering as an honoured guest Mr Taylor thought was an indication of the willingness which was felt by other countries to work in with the British Commonwealth of Nations and also a recognition of the high ideals of the British Empire. ' Mr ltossan received a good reception when he rose to speak. Opening his address, he said lie was 17 years of age when he had been commandeered for service with the Boer forces. His home had been at Boschburg, some 20 miles from Johannesburg, and he had been posted for duty with the scouts on the Natal border I and later about Bloemfontein and Magersfontein. Often he had travelled long journeys by horseback to ascertain the whereabouts of the British forces.. The Boer strength was very scattered, and operated in small units under commandos. Mr Rossan detailed his being sent to look for the British force under Lord Roberts and of the impression made on his youthful imagination when, on climbing a ridge, he saw what to him looked like millions of British soldiers. The information lie had J gleaned was conveyed to Paardelnirg 1 Drift, to Cronje, only to find that prior intelligence had been received by the Boer commander, the narrator then being sent to Bloemfontein to hurry the arrival of supports. Cronje, said Mr Rossan, was very stubborn and obstinate, but was finally convinced of the danger that threatened, and moved from Paardeburg Drift ns the British troops en-: tered. The action which followed saw Cronji driven if) Kroons tad,, near the Transvaal border, but Mr Rossan said he did not take part in any actual fighting as he was mainly on scout duty and was at West Rand when peace was declared. I Mr Rossan’s brief account of the j South African campaign awoke memories among the South African veterans present and interest was I

added to the evening by the asking of questions.

Speaking of his life in New Zealand, Mr Rossau said lie came to the Dominion soon after the war ended, landing at Wellington. He detailed his efforts to find work and the difficulty he had met with through his limited knowledge of the English language. He finally left the city and walked to Palmerston North, sleeping under the Fitzherbert Bridge the night before he entered the town. He had no money, but during a walk round the Square lie found 2s and with this obtained a meal. He then went to a registry office to see about a position. He concluded with the remark that he had done well ever since.

Further experiences of the South African war were related by Mr J. Turnbull, of Fcilding, who left with the sth contingent from New Zealand, Mr J. E. Cockrol't, also of Fcilding, who had served throughout the Squth African campaign with the British forces, also giving an account of his experiences. Dr F. Cameron conveyed the thanks of the gathering to Mr Kossan for his interesting address.. Supper concluded a very pleasant function.