War Veterans Hold Reunion

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27211, 14 October 1949, Page 3

War Veterans Hold Reunion

“ Even as a New Zealander who was proud of my own country I could appreciate South Africa,” said Mr P- Malthus at the annual reunion of the North Otago South African Veterans’ Association on Wednesday night. As 'president, he was in the chair, and on the fiftieth anniversary of the South African War he recalled standing on the top of a ridge in the north-west of Natal, looking out over the undulating plains, kopjes, and rivers, to the mountain ranges, and saying to himself: "This is a country worth lighting for." Mr Malthus referred to the generous treatment given by Britain to a defeated enemy and added that even to-day General Smuts was one of the pillars of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Though diminishing in numbers year by year, 19 veterans, looking hale and hearty in spite of their years, attended the function in the Toe H rooms. They spent a very happy time together, with song and films figuring in the programme. In extending congratulations to the veterans, Mr H. W ; . Mursell said they had returned to New Zealand and had set a good example to the men of 1914-18 in good citizenship. Mr A. Logan, on behalf of the veterans, expressed deep appreciation of the assistance given to them by the RSA and 2nd NZEF Associations.

The toast list included ‘‘The King,” “Absent Comrades,” “ South African Veterans ” (Mr H. W. Mursell—Mr A. W. Woodward), and “Kindred Associations” (Mr A. Logan—Messrs A. F. Stock, RSA, and H. Napier, 2nd NZEF). % Films were shown by Mr J. Firman, and songs were given by the quartet party consisting of Messrs G. and D. Swann, R. L. Sowden and E. Chapman, with Mr G. Jamieson at the piano.