FIFTH REGIMENT.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 1870, 2 October 1913, Page 3

FIFTH REGIMENT.

ANNUAL MESS DINNER. The officers of the Fifth (Wellington) Infantry Regiment held their second annual mess dinner at the Oriental Bay Kiosk last evening. The commander of the regiment (Lieut.-Colonel C. Hareourt Turner) presided. The guests of the evening included Colonel Heard (Commandant of the Forces), Colonel J. R. Purdy (Director of Medical Services), Colonel 11. J. Collins, C.M.G., Colonel W. G. Duthie, Colonel G. F. C. Camp-bell-(Coast Defence. Commander), Major Davis, Major F. de B. Brandon, and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke). Present officers of the regiment included Major Corrigan, Major Cowlos, Major Esson, and Major Beere. The toast of "The King" having been honoured; Lieut.-.Colonel Turner proposed that of "Hi 3 Excellency the Com-mander-in-Chief." Lord Liverpool, lie said, had the distinction of being the commander of the largest Territorial unit in tlie Empire—a battalion of 1200 men.

His Excellency the Governor, in reply, expressed nis pleasure in being present with the officers of such a fino regiment. Ho hoped very soon to be associated with them in camp. Colonel Purdy proposed tno toast of "The Regiment." He sketched the history of the regiment from the earliest days, tracing its rise from the troublous' times of the Maori wars. Ho recalled that the regiment had sent ■47 officers and men to South Africa.

Liout.-Colonel Turner responded. Major Brandon proposed tno toast of "Colonol R. J. Collins." He said that it was exactly 50 years to the day since Colonol Collins took the oath of allegiance as a member of His Majesty's forces. Ho referred to the great changes which had taken place during Colonel Collins's term as an officer — changes in arms, in uniform, and in training. With 0110 very short interval Colonel Collins had been closely connected with tho servico, until his recent transference to tho reserve.

Colonel Collins, in reply, said that ho heartily appreciated the fact that his name had been placed on the programme as a special toast, and thanked his brother officers far. receiving it so heartily. Ho recalled many incidents of the stirring old,times. It was on October 1, 1863, that his services had been accepted as a member of the Taranaki volunteers during the war days. Major A. A. Corrigan proposed the toast of "Our Guests." Response was made by the Mayor and Colonel Heard. , A number of officers contributed to a most enjoyable musical programme, the great success of the evening being achieved by Colonel Heard, who sang a counts of Iriik humorous conge.