MILITARY REUNIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20863, 4 May 1931, Page 11

MILITARY REUNIONS.

ENGINEERS AND ARTILLERY. CHURCH PARADE YESTERDAY. The fourth annual reunion of Engineers on Saturday evening was attended by about 100 representatives of various sections. A pleasing feature of the gathering was the interchange of three guests between the engineers and the similar gathering of artillerymen which was being held at the same time. Major W r , A. Gray presided and those present included members of the No. 4 Volunteers, the No. 3 Field Company, and the Northern Depot New Zealand Engineers, as well as of the expeditionary forces.

Among (he toasts honoured were those of "fallen Comrades," "The Old Corps," "The Present Corps," and "Absent Friends." A number of musical items added to the enjoymenl of the evening.

At the Artillery reunion the Engineers were represented by Major Gray, and Sappers T. Botierill and A. 0. Stephenson, while the Engineers entertained Major E. 11. Northcroft, Captain P. G. Sellar and Sergeant-Major Clark as representatives of the Artillery.

In SI. David's Presbyterian Church, where three years ago was dedicated (he memorial tablet to members of the No. 3 Field Company of the New Zealand Engineers, the annual memorial service of the Engineers was held yesterday morning. Embraced in their numbers were members of the old Auckland Engineer Volunteers and the expeditionary forces and officers and N.C.O.'s of the present unit.

The parade was under Major W. A. Gray, and among old officers present were two past commanding officers, LieutenantColonel Ij. M. Shera and Major A. I. Dow. The service was conducted by the Rev. J. Bissetf, who cordially welcomed the Engineers in the name of the session and tho congregation. There was a large attendance at the second annual re-union of the Artillery Association (Great War) which was held in tho Lewis Eady Hall on Saturday evening. Captain L. P. Leary presided and associated with him were LieutenantColonel F. Symon, director of artillery; Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. J/illigan, Lieu-tenant-Colonel C. N. Newman. Lieuten-ant-Colonel E. H. Northcroft and Major IL C. Glendinning. In proposing the toast of " The Regiment," Captain Leary traced the growth of artillery warfare and related some of his experiences. Stress was laid upon the debt, the New Zealand division owed to the Royal Artillery by Colonel Symon, in replying to the toast. A proposal to hold the annual re-union on Anzac Day was discussed and it was decided to arrange the function yearly for the first Saturday evening following that day. , The Artillery Band played several selections and individual items were contributed.