THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4493, 22 October 1901, Page 3

THE FIRST NEW ZEALAND CONTINGENT.

The first annual dinner of the Firs; New Zealand Mounted Rifle Association was held last night at the Club Hotel, the evening being the second anniversary of the departure of the contingent from New Zealand for South Africa. There was a fine muster of the members in view of the large area over which their locations extend. Representatives were present from points so fa: apart as Auckland and Invercargill, the total attendance . being abiut seventy. The Right Hon. R. J. Sec fdon was in attendance; ’ also Major Owen, Acting-Commander of the Now Zealand Forces, Sir Arthur ;Doug'as, Licutenant-Ccloncis Newall and Colons, Mr R. W. Chambers. Captain Bartlett, of the J’irst Contingent, occupied the chair, and of his subalterns there were present Lieutenants Canavan and Hughes. The reunion was very hearty in character, and the contingcntors made the place lively with some ‘ old veldt choruses and camp ditties. Apologies ior non-attendance were read from h’.s Excellency the Governor, and quite a nurtber of officers and ex-officers of the contingent. The toasts of “His Majesty the King,” "His fexcelloucv the Governor,” “The Army and Navy." ’■The Right Hon. the Premier” and “Comrades Still at the Front” were all drunk in bumpers. MrScddon, in responding to the toast of his health, expressed the opinion that this colony ceased sending contingents to South Africa too soon. Ho thought that at the time wo stopped doing so, and ho thought so still. The cries of approval ho now heard were tokens to him of. the contingonters’ wish to-again serve their country. (A voice:, “Six bob a day.” Laughter). He was pleased to see them so enthusiastic in celebrating their anniversary, and ho hoped that in the years to come they would be always found celebrating their anniversaries with the same vigour. and good fellowship. LieutenantColonel Newall responded On behalf cf ‘‘Absent Comrades,” and paid a tribute on passant to the merits and deeds of succeeding contingents to -the first. The meowing concluded with the toast of “Captain Bartlett,” which was proposed by , the Premier, and drunk enthusiastically.