90 Years of Age

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 122, 24 May 1940, Page 9

90 Years of Age

AND WANTS TO GO TO WAR “Yes sir, I’m 90—born 1850—and I applied to get back on the Active list tile day war broke out.’ 7 Clear of eye, with cnost out and back straight as a gun barrel, cx-Wavrant Officer A. B. Proud smiled with pride. “They told mo at Garden Island to stand-by. 77 He adjusted his cap. “I’m still standing by, but I’m as good for another campaign as ever I was.” Every inch a sailor in the uniform of a naval reservist, and not looking his age by 30 years, the veteran made a picturesque figure at the Captain Cook landing anniversary celebrations at Kurnell, Sydney, recently. He represented the Ex-Naval Men’s Association, and when the flag was broken at the masthead he stood to attention and saluted with the smartness of a midshipman.

lie saluted also when he met Commander N. H. Calder, who represented Commodoro Muirhead Gould, of Garden Island. On his left breast glinted the medals lie won in the Ashanti campaign, while the service medals of his doad son, killed while serving as an artilleryman in France, in 1916, were displayed on the right of liis tunic. “Shipwright and diver—that’s ray line,” said ox-Warrant Officer Proud “What’s the matter with me; why don’t they call me up? I’m flt and sound and good for service.”

He joined the Navy in 1871, and served for 40 years. He attributes his physical fitness to his unchangeable policy of keeping fit and following the creed, “all things for use and not abuse.” “Every fine day, winter and summer, I go to Coogee for a dip,” said Mr. Proud. “What do I think of the Navy lads of to-day? Just this: The breed holds good.”