THE "FIRSTS," OF SOUTH AFRICA.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1577, 22 October 1912, Page 4

THE "FIRSTS," OF SOUTH AFRICA.

TWELFTH" ANNUAL REUNION.

The twelfth annual reunion of the First New Zealand Mounted Hides Association (South Africa, 1899-1S0!) was held At Godber's Rooms, Cuba Street, last evening, Major J. G. Hughes, D.S.O. (a vice-president of the association), presiding over nn attendance of over 40 members. General regret was expressed thnt the .association's popular "uncle" (Mr. Claude L. Jewell, lion, secretary mid editor of the First N.Z.M.R. "Bulletin") at present editor of the Auckland "Observer, was unable to get nwny from his duties to attend the reunion. The annual report (adopted) mentioned, inter alin, that the association's application to the Government for the issue of free passes to members attending tho annual reunion had been declined, on account of tho expenditure involved, and the creation of an awkward precedent.' Tho continued vitality of the association, the report continued, wns a matter for congratulation. The committee, recorded with rogret the death of Trooper Harry Sutherland, and tendered tho sympathy of members to the relatives of' their' deceased comrade. His name, hod been added to the Roll of the Honoured Dead. Tho association had been honoured by tho selection of its president and former commanding officer (Colonel A. W. Robin, C.8., C.M.G.), ns New Zealand representative at the War Office, and pleasure was expressed thnt his warm .interest in the condition and progress of tho association was continued. Tho committee also referred with pride to the fact that nil members of Hie association who now held commissions in the Now Zealand Staff Corps had passed their examinations' for their respective ranks. The editor of the "Bulletin" and his newsy journal were heartily complimented, and thanks recorded to Major- R. N. Madocks, R.A., for photographs for the magazine. Members were urged to take a practical interest, in "Tho Bulletin" by contributions. Tho departure of Trooper P. B. Watts, with his family, for Western Australia was an' other event of tho year flint occasioned tho association keen regret. Officers f«ir the ensuing year wero reelected ns follow:— President, Colonel A. AV. Robin, C.8., C.M.G.; vice-president, Brigadier-General IV. 11. Dories, C.8., Major -W. R. N. Madocks. R.A., Major J. Gethin Hughes, D.5.0., Lieut-Colonel D'Arcy Choytor, Surg. Licut.-Coloncl Burns. Major E. Bartlelt, D.5.0., Major G. Johnston, Major H. D. 0. Ward, R.A., Captain M. lv. Lindsay (7th Dragoon Guards), Captain Cannvnn, Captain R. S. Matthews, ! Captain C. P. Rogers; lion, secretary nnd treasurer and editor "Bulletin," Mr. Clniido L. Jewell. Messrs. F. Rockstrnn and H. Ross were appointed trustees. It wns resolvod to present, the president of the. association (Colonel Robin) with a handsome testimonial of appreciation, and the badge of the association, in gold. Considerable discussion took place concerning tho future fnto of the "Cutter," the highly-treasured ennteon jug which tho "First"-brought homo from South Africa, iiml which occupies a place of honour on thf> nipss-inhle at the annu.il reunions. It wns decided to plnco tho "cutter" in the custody of the trustees, and thnt its ultimate resting placo should 1)0 the subject of debate at each annual reunion. After disposing of various other business mattery the remainder of the evening was enlivened with toast speeches and musical and other items.