Wanganui Party Attends Reunion Of Wellington Regiment

Wanganui Chronicle, 4 May 1948, Page 4

Wanganui Party Attends Reunion Of Wellington Regiment

Some four hundred members of the Wellington Regiment of World War 1 gathered in Palmerston North at the week-end for the annual reuiion. So popular is this annual event becoming that it became necessary this year to secure a larger hall, and nothing less than the tea kiosk at Awapuni racecourse was large enough. Major-General W. H. Cunningham, one of the senior officers of the Main Body, when the regiment was formed, was in the chair, and associated with him was Sir Herbert Hart, who commanded a brigade when the war ended in 1918.

Opportunity was taken to form a Wellington Regiment Association, and the constitution of the new body was approved at the reunion.

Rev. Keith Elliott, V.C., was elected honorary padre of the association, and Major-General Cunningham is its first president. Members of the committee comprise those committee members resident in Palmerston North who have borne the responsiblity of annual reunions for many years, plus the appointed delegates from various branches. Wanganui has a branch /and the delegate appointed is Mr. G. E. Cutfield.

Church parade on Sunday was a most inspiring one. The attendance had grown considerably and the march round the Square to All Saint's Church, led by the Manawatu Pipe Band, was most impressive. Colours of the regiment repose in All Saint’s Church, where there Is at least one memorial window.

The address was given by Rev Keith Elliott, V.C., and the lesson* were read by Major-General Cunningham and Sir Herbert Hart.

More than 20 Wanganui members attended the reunion. Now that a roll has been compiled, containing some 1800 names, of living members of the old regiment, an effort is to be made in Wanganui to form a strong brunch and see that representation each year is increased. Many of the rolls were purchased at the week-end. Special tributes were paid to the honorary secretary of the association, Mr. O. L. Rodgers, of Palmerston North. As Major-General Cunningham pointed out, the bulk of the organising work fell on him and he regarded it as a “labour of love," which created for all present a very enjoyable week-end each year. Mr. J. A. Nash, who was Mayor of Palmerston North when the regiment was formed, was present at tfie reunion and spoke feelingly of his privilege in being an honorary member.