MILITARY ENGINEERS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20555, 5 May 1930, Page 12

MILITARY ENGINEERS.

REUNION IN AUCKLAND,

ANNUAL CHURCH PARADE,

Tlio third annual reunion of the New Zealand Engineers was held in the Lewis Eady llail 011 Saturday evening, Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Duigan, chief staff officer of the Northern Command, presiding over a large gathering. Colonel N. Annabell, C.R.E., was present, while there were a number who had served in the old volunteer corps, the service of Sir. Tremain dating back to 1874. Colonel Duigan referred to the splendid work done by the engineers. LieutenantColonel Annabell said Auckland had provided more engineers in the Creat War than any other city in New Zealand. An account of the early volunteer days in Auckland was given by Captain Walker. The following toasts were honoured: — "Tim Ring," proposed by the chairman; "Fallen Comrades," proposed by Lieutenant R. Patrick; "The Old Corps," by Lieutenant-Colonel Annabell, and responded to by Captain 11. Clark; "Absent Friends," proposed by Sir. T. Botterill and replied to by Lieutenant SI. K. Dralfin, and "The Present Corps," by Lieutenant Cummings and Captain L. F. Rudd. The toast of "Fallen Comrades" was followed by the screening of several war slides synchronising with a gramophone recording of "The Trumpeter." An cnjovablo musical programmo was provided by the following:—Messrs. W. Scott, S. Eady, S. Carter, L. Spinlcy and •G. Kessell. Sir. Vernon Drew acted as song leader and Sir. L. A. Eady and Lieutenant W. li. Dyer as accompanists. The retiring executive was re-elected. The annual church parade was held at St. David's Presbyterian Church, where tho Northern Depot's memorial tablet is erected, yesterday morning. Tho parade was largely attended, many country members being present. The service was •conducted by the Rev. D. C. Herron. Headed by tho depot's band tho parade, which was under the command of Major A. Gray, officer in charge of tho depot, marched from tho drill hall, Rutland Street, to tho churclv Lieutenant-Colonel Annabell and Lieutenant-Colonel Duigan, Major E. Putfiek, Major J. W. Dow and other staff officers wcro present.