REUNION OF SOLDIERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18234, 30 October 1922, Page 8

REUNION OF SOLDIERS.

THE AUCKLAND INFANTRY.

OLD MEMORIES REVIVED.

The first annual reunion of ihe Auckland Infantry Regiment of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, was held g>t the Scots Hall on Saturday evening and proved a most enjoyable function. Major F. L. Q. West presided over an attendance of over 200 former members of the brigade, including a large number of men from the country. It was a convivial gathering at which many friendships, formed in«the trying daya of war and cemented by the strenuous conditions of active service, wer* renewed. Reminiscences of life with the regiment were exchanged, numerous incidents, both amusing and sad, being recalled by |Jte sight of forgotten faces. Nor were those who had " gone west" forgotten— tribute being paid to the memory of missing comrades. A short toast list was honoured. " The King" and " Absent Comrades" were proposed by the cUairman, the latter being honoured in silence. In proposing the toast of " TEe Regiment" Lieu-tenant-Colonel Hardie Neil gave a brief account of the regiment's career, showing lantern slides of scenes of many of thj regiment's strenuous fights. Their record was one of which anyone might be justly proud. A tribute was paid to the commanding officers, und the photographs of several popular officers were greeted with prolonged applause. The chairman bfiefly responded. Other toasts included " Other Units," proposed by Lieutenant R. TUsley, and tesponded to by Major W. Kay (Rifle Brigade), and Captain W. G. Borrie, Divisional Gas Officer. The success of the .evening was contributed to in no, small measure by entertaining items given by Messrs. H. Richards, Alan McElwain, F. Williams, Dan Flood, D. W. Russell, O. Prime, ancfl J. Wilkenson, the imitations and impersonations given by the latter being particularly effective.