Mounted Rifles Hold Annual Reunion

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7241, 12 June 1930, Page 8

Mounted Rifles Hold Annual Reunion

LARGE AND ENTHUSIASTIC

GATHERING,

Some 200 returned men of the Wellington Mounted Rifles last evening gathered in tho Empire hall, Palmerston North, to hold their annual reunion. Brigadier Whyte, O.C. the Central Command, presided and there were also present Messrs J. A. Nash, M.P., B. J. Jacobs (representing the R.S.A.), and Colonel Povvles (late O.C. Central Command).

In speaking to tho gathering Brigadier Whyte paid a tribute to tho true fellowship now existing amongst all members of the old corps and he felt that it was in the continued holding of such gatherings that tho members who saw active service overseas would renew tho friendships of tho trenches and make new acquaintances. Tho secretary of tho committco re sponsible for the arrangements, Mr H Bennett, then read telegrams from those who served but who were unable to attend the reunion. Continuing Mr Bennett said that he would welcome any suggestions for the improvement of the running of tho reunions. It had been proposed that the gathering be held at the week-end and he wished to know the opinion of members on tho matter. On a show of hands it was unanimously decided to continue the function as a mid-week one and Mr Bennett was accorded lusty cheers with the singing of “Eor he’s a jolly good fellow” when he sat down.

Mr J. A. Nash, in proposing the toast of the Regiment, said that from a Pal merstonian’s point of view the body, members of which were drawn fion. the Manawatu, had crowned itself with undying glory. With the attendances at the reunions from year to year increasing he could not picture tho indomitable spirit of those that sailed, early in tho war ever fading into oblivion. Ho saw no reason why the men should not bring their horses with them and revive tho spirit of combined movements in spirited competition. They could renew the competition for the Allcnby Cup, which was presented by Field-Marshal Lord Allcnby for competition amongst the members of the Rifles, and which was finally annexed by Captain Black, of Gisborne.

Mr B. J. Jacobs spoke in appreciation of the spirit of the gathering and its traditions and expressed tho hope that tho strong friendships amongst members would never fluctuate. In regard to other units, ho thought that he should make reference to the Aussies who were “real follows.” In conclusion he spoke particularly of tho R.S.A., its aims and its workings, and he counselled all present to get behind the movement and do something for that which was doing so much for disabled and needy eases amongst the returned men of the Dominion.

Colonel Powlcs, who responded to the. toast of the Territorials, said that lie, through many years of experience, could vouch for the loyalty and eagerness of this body of young trainees. Under stress of economy tho defence forces were going to bear the brunt of reduced allocations and if things came to a pass where territorial drilling was abolished, ho felt that the Dominion was losing one of its vital protective units. The young men of to-day realised their responsibilities, this being most evident wlich they were in uniform. In conclusion, Colonel Powlcs advised all present to realise the good work that the National Defence League was doing for the country. Army officers and men of experience were at its back and it might be the country’s salvation in years to come if training was reduced. The following toasts were honoured: "The King,” '‘Absent Comrades,” “The Regiment,” “Other Units,” “Territorials” and the R.S.A.