OLD SOLDIERS’ REUNION

Waikato Times, Volume 106, Issue 22674, 30 July 1945, Page 2

OLD SOLDIERS’ REUNION

NATIONAL RESERVE One of the most successful reunions held by the Sixth (Ham ilton) Company of the National Military Reserve was held in the C.A.C. Recreation Centre, Peachgrove Road. Hamilton East, on Saturday night. It was the sixth reunion held by the company. Mr N. G. Sutherland presided over an attendance which taxed the accommodation. The principal guest was Mr L. E. Haines, D. 5.0., the former commanding officer of the company, who made a special trip from Wellington to attend. In addressing the gathering, Mr Haines said the company was the finest unit he had known in his 45 years’ experience of soldiering. The speaker asked members to do all they could to help returned men from the present war to rehabilitate themselves, and to preach tolerance in their relations with them. Major C. L. Brett, of Hamilton, recited his experiences as a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany. When the Americans released the British in the camp in which he was incarcerated, said the speaker, they did not have sufficient men to act as guards, so for three days the officers turned the tables on the Germans and acted as their guards. The escape of Brigadier George Clifton was described by the speaker. An entertaining programme included songs by Messrs Inia Te Wiata, J. Withers, Lonergan, magic by Mr Chandler, Mr W. Harrison at the piano, and Mr W. A. King and his orchestra. On Sunday morning members of the company marched to St. Aidan’s Church and attended a service. The preacher was the Rev. Canon G. A. Crossman, the company’s former chaplain. E. cT day, ltd.