SOCIAL REUNION.

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVII, Issue 2779, 22 October 1923, Page 9

SOCIAL REUNION.

FIELD AMBULANCE FUNCTION.

The first reunion of the No. 1, New Zealand Field Ambulance, N.Z.E.F., was held at Palmerston North on Saturday evening, when there were presents delegates from all parts of the Dominion. The gathering was a most happy affair, and the hope was frequently expressed during the evening that it would become an annual one, so that the , comrades who stood together with the only “No. 1” could retain the spirit* of fellowship which they established on the Gallipoli peninsula and other theatres of the war. Mr F, Campbell, of Wellington, presided, and the other outside delegates being as follow: —Messrs L. Bestall, D. Cowan, H Crawford, J. Doull, F. Eagle, J. Hickey, H. H. Jackson, H. D. Milne, C. E. Manly, Manson, E. S. Mcßean, D. C. Pryof, C. C. Penney, C, Reid, J. Ricketts, Dr. Sharp, C. Stunnell, Y. Stunnell, H. Suisfed, F. Stains, S. Smith, F Loftus, and L. Wilton. Comprehens’ive arrangements were made by the secretary, Mr F. W. Baillie, who deserves a deal of credit for the success of the function. After the Royal toast had boend honoured, the chairman, in proposing the health of “Our Company,” said they could not dismiss the feeling that No. 1 was the original field ambulance, and the memories of service throughout the war—both tragic and humorous —would be long cherished by the members. They had been, good fellows, those who went with the early contingent's, and he was proud to belong to the same company and to call them comrades. “It was a privilege, ho said, “to associate with the men in that com'pany. We knew them as men and we shared their daily ration and drink of water. Wc know the work they did, and admire them for if.” The speaker hoped the reunion would be established as an annual event, as although they had settled down to civil live, they did not wish to dis, ao.ciato themselves from the recollections of the days when they served side by side. They wished fhe closing days of their lives to be brightened by the glow of those memories. Ex-Sergt -Major Frank Eagle responded on behalf of the No. 1 company. , . When referring to the ambulance, Lieut.-Colonel J. H. Whyte reminded those present that tne members of No. 1 company were the pioneers of the ambulance work in fhe Groat War, but. even now that the struggle was over there were many things that required to be done. The knowledge gained in the Ambulance was always valuable, and he strongly advocated organisation and periodical gathering to keep fresh, their associations. Other toasts were: “N.Z.8.F.,” Mr J. Ricketts: “The Army and Navy, Mr D. Cameron, and responded to by Mr C. E. Stunnell; “Fallen Comrades.’' Mr J. Doull; “The Ladies. Mr D. C Pryor, responded to by Mi LBestall; '“N.Z. Defence Force,” Mr U C. Halse, responded to by Licui.Coloncl J. H. Whyte_ Musical and vocal items were eon. trlbuted by the following: Messrs L. Bestall; Chapman Brothers, J. Smitn, 11. Steere, A. Blanford. and J. Hickey. i\lr W Walpole was at* the piano.