Sixth Mounted Regiment

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 142, 18 June 1938, Page 2

Sixth Mounted Regiment

MEMBERS FOREGATHER FOR ANNUAL RE UNION There was a big muster at the third annual re-union of the Bixth Mounted Rifles Regiment, held in Palmerston North last evening. The chairman was Mr. J. A. Nash and associated with him at the top table were Colonel J. H. Whyte, D. 5.0., D.C.M., Colonel Arthur Batchelar, who commanded the sixth squadron of tho Wellington Mounted Rifles Regiment during the Binai and Palestine campaigns, Captain B. A. Norman, officer commanding B squadron, 4th N.Z.M.R., motorised, Messrs. Jos. Batchelar, D. J. Lovelock, A. B. Aldridge and E. Anderson. After the serious business of dinner had been attended to, tho chairman proposed tho toast of The King. Then Mr. Nash asked tho members of the regiment to stand in silence in memory of Sergeant Jim Patterson, Dug Colville and W. A. Keeling, who had died during tho year. Next pipes Avore lit and the company, many of whom must have served in the regiment a very long time ago, comfortably settled themselves to exchange reminisconces and to listen to the speech-making. Annual Meeting When the time came for appointing a secretary, Mr. E. Anderson was proposed and elected with acclamation. Mr. D. J. Lovelock Avas then elected treasurer, and the following committee was appointed: —Messrs. Jim Clevely, Phil Duncnlf and Jos. Batchelar. Mr. D. Reid was appointed the Feilding representative and Captain Grant Simpson will represent the regiment at Hunterville.

The next re-union will be held on the Friday night of next Winter Show week.

On the invitation there was a request to members to take along photos and souvenirs, and among the very interesting exhibits were a number of photographs sent by Mrs. Harry Palmer, wife of the late Captain Palmer. It was resolved to forward a letter of thanks and appreciation to Mrs. Palmer. It was also resolved to pass a hearty vote of thanks and appreciation to the retiring secretary, Mr- C. P. C. Robeit, and also to Captain Grant Simpson and Mr. H. A. Stone.

After the roll call and the formal meeting, Mr. Nash proposed the toast oi ex-servicemen, and it was responded to by Mr. E. Anderson and Mr. D. Reid, A\ho related some interesting stories about tho South African War, The toast of “Tho Regiment” was proposed by Colonel Whyte, who said that the regiment had a record to be proud of, for it had been avoll represented at the Boer War and again at the Great War. The Colonel expressed his thanks of having the honour of being present at the re-union and, before proposing the toast, ho asked all ex-members of the Sixth to give all possible support and encouragement to the present volunteer movement. He added that the week’s intensive training in camp was of inestimable value to the volunteeis.

The toast was responded to by Mr. A. S. Aldridge, who spoke of tho early days of the volunteer movement on tho west coast, and Captain Norman, who explained Avhat Avas being done iu connection with tho re-organisation of the military force, making particular reference to the mechanisation of the Sixth Mounted Rifles Regiment. He said that the troopers had been sorry to part with their horses, but that they had gained in other ways, being able to travel faster, keep fresher, and to exchange signals by wireless. He assured ex-members of the regiment that the heart of the new unit was still good. Mr. W. Rankin also spoke to the toast.