ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16583, 5 July 1917, Page 6

ROYAL IRISH REGIMENT

ANNIVERSARY OF ARRIVAL.

GATHERING. OF VETERANS.

An event of historic importance to New Zealand was commemorated yesterday, when a number of veterans belonging to the 2nd battalion of the 18th Royal Irish Regiment gathered in Albert Park fco celebrate the 54th anniversary of their landing in Auckland. A large number of the surviving members now remaining in the Dominion were present. In addition, there was a large attendance of pioneer women, children of the second and third generations, and interested citizens.

On July 4, 1863, 700 officers and men of the regiment landed in Auckland, and, after seeing stirring service in the Waikato war, the regiment sailed from New Zealand in 1870. Some three hundred of the strength, however, remained behind to make their homes here. • All but 40 of these have since answered the last call. Most of the veterans present yesterday — in number— great vigour and splendid soldierly bearing. Time haa dealt kindly with these old warriors, as in very few instances, despite the great age of most, could be noticed traces of warfare and pioneer hardships. In a number of instances men could be noticed wearing four and even five medals. Mr. J. A. Clark, 86 years of age, the oldest veteran present, wore the Crimea Medal, with four clasps, for Sebastopol, Inkerman, Balaclava, and Alma. The veterans and friends fraternised for some two hours, indulging in friendly talk and reminiscences, after which they" were assembled to be photographed. The veterans then lined up to "march past" the statue of their late Queen, after which they marched via Queen and Wellesley Streets to the Strand Cafe, where luncheon completed the celebration. The usual toasts were honoured, excellent music being provided bv Miss F. Denz's Orchestra, which has attended each reunion for the past five years. Those present at the reunion were ■ Veterans W. Forsythe, T. Carey, and A I. Humphrey, of Wanganui; T. Ennis, of Hawera: W. Kent, Rotprua; and Messrs.. K. Hutchinson, J. Shaw, G. Hawksby J Dempsey, W. H. dark. C. Clark, d' Hertman, J. Stevenson, and rj. Waite of Auckland. Mesdames Ennis, Hutchinson, Shaw Brennan, Ennis, Matthews, Elliott Luff, and Hart, who also arrived with the veterans 54" years ago, were in attendance.