WAR COMRADES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22850, 4 October 1937, Page 14

WAR COMRADES

OLD CONTEMPTIBLES ANNUAL DINNER AND DANCE AN ENJOYABLE GATHERING War-time reminiscences were freely exchanged and an atmosphere of levity prevailed at the 11th annual dinner and dance of the Old Contemptibles' Association held in the Ascot Reception Rooms on Saturday night. A large attendance was presided over by Lieu-tenant-Colonel R. B. Phillips. The opinion that Now Zealand was not doing enough to prevent the outbreak of another war was expressed by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, who is a patron ot the association, in replying to a welcome extended to him by Lieu- ' tenant-Colonel Phillips on behalf of the association. Other were taking due precautions, Sir Ernest said, but New Zealand appeared to be tailing short of her responsibility. Co-operation with Australia "We should all be thankiul that we have two such fine fighting ships in our harbour as the pair that are tnere at present," said the Mayor. Before these vessels came to New Zealand we did not have a ship worth calling a ship. With collaboration with the Australian Navy we now have some safeguard for our coasts. God forbid that we may ever see such atrocities 111 our country as we read every day, but we must be prepared." The stand which the Old Contemptibles made against the flower of the German Army was one which would never be forgotten, said Mr. A. M. Ferguson, Belgian Consul in Auckland, in proposing the toast to the association. Replving to the toast Captain r. Short stated that there were now 140 branches of the Old Contemptibles' Association in various parts of the world, one being in the Hague and another in Belgium. Three members and their wives had attended the Coronation ceremony at the request of the King. The toast to the Royal Navv was proposed by Sir Clutha Mackenzie, who paid tribute to the efficiency and valuable work of this organisation during the war. On behalf of Rear-Admiral the Hon. E. R. Drummond, who was unable to be present. Captain I. G. Glennie replied. Other Toasts Honoured

The toast to Kindred Associations was proposed by Mr. \\. Pilgrim, Mr. J. W. Kendall, president of the Auckland Returned Soldiers' Association, responding. Mr. Pilgrim also proposed the toasts to the guests, to which Sir Ernest Davis replied. LieutenantColonel Phillips proposed the toast to the King. Among those at tnc official table were:—The Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, patron of the association; Sir Clutha Mackenzie; Lady Mackenzie; LieutenantColonel It. 13. Phillips, president; Mr. A. M. Ferguson, Belgian Consul; Mrs. Ferguson; Captain I. G. Glennie, representing the. Royal Navy; Commander B. L. Hewitt, patron; Mrs. Hewitt; Captain W. Atwell, patron; Rev. G. V. Gerrard, honorary chaplain; Mr. W. C. Pilgrim, host; and Mrs. Pilgrim, hostess.

During the evening opportunity was taken to present two cups for competition among members of the association, Sir Ernest Davis handing over the trophies. The first cup, for the most humorous story of the year, was presented to Mr. Thomas, while the second, for shooting, went to Mr. Cameron.

Telegrams of apology for absence were received from the Governor-Gen-eral, Viscount Galway, a patron of the association, Mr. W. J. Lyon, M.P., and Captain R. S. Judson, V.C.

Dancing followed the dinner and during the evening dancing items were presented by Master Donald Dunn and Miss Doreen Dunn. Captain B. Houston. of the Black Watch, acted as master of ceremonies.