“Well and Trulys” Foregather

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 136, 11 June 1936, Page 8

“Well and Trulys” Foregather

REUNION OF WELLINGTON MOUNTED RIFLES From an early hour yesterday morning black and whito ties began to make their appearance on the streets of Falmorston city and by sunset there were hundreds of them about. These ties wore being worn by men who had seen service in the Great War with the Wellington Mounted Rifles, and they were gathering for the annual reunion, which was held in the Empire hall last evening. The attendance at the function must have been a record in the history of the regiment for seating accommodation was at a premium long before the “ doorkeepers ” had finished their part of the work. In the absence of Col. Whyte, who was unavoidably absent, Colonel A. S. Wilder, D. 5.0., M.C., was in the chair, and associated with him at the top table were Colonels Arthur Batchelar and James Armstrong, Messrs J. A. Nash and B. J. Jacobs, the last-named paying the Regiment a subtle compliment by wearing the black and white tie.

In accordance with the usual procedure at a well-run reunion, Col. Wilder did not prolong the formal part >of the programme, thereby giving those present, many of whom had travelled long distances to attend, every opportunity of “fraternising” with their old “cobbers.”

Among those who sent apologies were General W. Meldrum, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., and Col. J. 11. Whyte, D.S.O. and bar, D.C.M. In extending a welcome to the company, Col. Wilder made special mention of the presence of Sir Clutha McKenzie, Mr. J. A. Nash and Mr. B. J. Jacobs, to whom the chairman extended tho Regiment’s heartiest greetings. There was a short toast list, the t'oast of the Regiment being proposed by Colonel Wilder and responded to by Trooper Dick Fullerton Smith, who, after 12 years’ residence in England, was attending his first reunion.

When Mr. Fullerton Smith announced that he was returning to the Old Country, it was unanimously decided that he should be entrusted with messages for Major Clowes and the gallant lads of the Somerset Battery, which had been associated with tho New Zealand Mounted Brigade in so many actions.

The toast “Absent Comrades” was proposed by Sergt. Guy Seaton.

Mr. Nash was entrusted with that to the R.S.A. and in the course of his remarks he ventured the opinion that reunions were getting more popular as time went on. Mr. Nash also made flattering reference to the wonderful work Mr. Jacobs was doing as president of the Palmerston North branch of the R.S.A. (Applause.) In the course of his reply, Mr. Jacobs said the New Zealand R.S.A. was at present in touch with the Government with the object of improving conditions for tho soldier settlers and he added that the prospocts of success were bright. Capt. I. B. Cruicksliank proposed the toast of “Other Units” and this was responded to by Mr. Stanley (Apiti), of the New Zealand Machine Gun Corps. The official part of the programme was brought to a close with an enthusiastic toast to Mr. Harold Bennett, the reunion secretary, after which tho “Well and Trulys” strolled round and swapped yarns with their comrades, and to remind each other of the many happy times they had had while on active service.