OLD COMRADES FORGATHER.

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2166, 3 June 1914, Page 7

OLD COMRADES FORGATHER.

REUNION OF THE SIXTH CONTINGENT. ' A record muster, 65 all told, of old comrades of the Sixth Now Zealand Mountedsß.fies (Smith Africa), responded to the assembly calhto tho annual reunion at Godber's Rooms, Cuba Street, last evening, Surgeon-General b. bkerman presided, and there wero also present: Major-General A. J Udley C.8., Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces; Lieut.-Colonol Cossgrovo, Dominion Chief Scout (who served with the Sixth and Ninth New Zoaland Regiments in South Africa) • Captain Mostyn Jones (of the Sixth); and officers of tho Fifth (Wellington Regiment. ■ Tho function was a very successful ono indeed, and all present spent a very enjoyable evening chattii<g over old times on tho veldt—apropos, the breezy reminiscences, told by Trooper Wright, of various humorous anecdotes of South Africa and tho "Sixers" convulsed tho gathering. Tho event of the evening was tho presentation of a handsome cup, tho gift of Colonel Colvin (the Sixth's Corps Commander in South Africa), by General Godley. In-Landing over tho trophy, thq General conveyed to the company a cabled sugEestion of Colonel Colvm that the old Sixth should ally themselves, with their traditions anil trophies, to tho existing Sixth New Zealand Mounted Regiment .(tho Manawatu Regiment). This suggestion, said tho speaker, was for the old Sixth to consider. Personally, ho thought that the idea of tho old South African contingent regiments allying themselves with tho existing nnd corresponding regiments .now established- under the Territorial scheme, . was a very good one. He had seen Colonel Colvin in England, and had undertaken to carry out tho trophy to New Zealand, and personally present it at the annual reunion. Colonel Colvin had also asked him to convey to'his old comrades of tho South African campaign his best wishes and kind remembrances. (Applause and cheers.) Ths gathering subsequently and unanimously, agreed to givo effect to Colonel Colvin's suggestion. Tho gift was suitably acknowledged by Captain Mostyn Jones, who proposed the health of the donor, and, en passant, entertained the company with a number of reminiscences of tho old campaigning days. ' The health of General Godley was proposed by Surgeon-General Skerman. - Replying to tho toast, General Godley paid a high tribute to tliL , quality of tho New Zealand soldiers, whom, ho said, ho would bo proud to lead should the necessity for an expeditionary force over arise. He nlso conveyed General Sir lan Hamilton's regrets at being unable to bo present , with them that evening. During the evening musical and othr-r item 3 were contributed by Messre. W. J. Meredith, H. R. Wright. "Girdie" (Mr. C. Girdlestune), P. PetUeriek, and Mr. Tingey.