SIXTH N.Z. MOUNTED RIFLES

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2787, 3 June 1916, Page 6

SIXTH N.Z. MOUNTED RIFLES

ANNUAL REUNION

The twelfth' .annual - reunion of the Sixth New Zealand Mounted liiflcs, which served in tho Soilth African War, was held at Godber's rooms, Cuba Street, lust night. Major Wood presided. There was a muster of about (JO -men. A number of apologies for afcfcuco were received. The gathering took the form of a smoke social. After the usual loyal toast had been honoured, . Capt. j, Mitchell proposed "The Army and Navy." He said that both tlie ' Navy and. Army wore haying a strenuous .time at present.

Mr. F. K. Beeves, who responded, said little .could be said of the Navy, and Army besides what had been said in tho Press for tho lastvtwentymonths. They all expected tho men of tlie Army and Navy to do what they had done. (Cheers.) No sane person of British parentage expected that men of British stock "would go to tho front ami do 1 ' other .than what they did. Ho was proud to know that many of the Sixth New Zealand Mounted ltifles were at tho front, and that many had gained distinction both as soldiera anil as civilians. Ho knew that they would Ire prepared to do what they had done before again and again. He would bo glad to attend reunions until he was too old to do 60, or there were wo more contingentcis to meet. (Cheers.) Tlie toast of "The Boys at the Front" was given by Sergt.-Major I'. Armstrong, who said he. proposed the toast with a feeling of regret. They all know that the boys would do their duty, and they wished them a good ,f scrap" and a sai'e return. (Cheers.) . , Major Wood, M.C., in responding to the toast, said that tho boys at the front had tho same spirit ns those assembled Micro that night. There were 110 mora eheorfnl men, than those at tho front. They were <!oing splendid work, and looked forward to their old comrades coining lo join them. (Cheers.) The major's health was drunk with enthusiasm.

On behalf of the men, Major Wood presented a cheque to Cnpt. Frank Beamish, who is going to Iho front. Captain Beamish, in response, referred to the excellent training received l>y tho officers and men at tho camp. .Men got awav for the front after a fortnight's naming. .which ho regnrdert as liisirvellous. This was duo to the keenness of the men. Although ho had joined tho 17th Reinforcements lie ivould not letthat overshadow his association with the Sixth. Tie was proud that the boys stuck together, and met Qjcli year to talk over their old Associations, Ho thanked them heartily for their gift, and'appreciated the spirit that prompted it. Other toasts, were':—'"The Boys who Havo Returned," proposed by Mr.'A. Wilson, and responded, to-by'Mr. C. Gmilestone ; "The Boys Who . Have Earned Promotion" (Capt.\ M.' .Tones'and Pergt. C. Perkins), "The Boys In C'ainn" 'Captain I'. Beamish and Sorgt.-Major Bowden), "Fallen Comrades," "Ttio Press," and "The Ladies."

During tho evening recitations, songs, and stories' were contributed by Messrs. Eraser, Thomson, C. ({milestone, Exton", Wright, Starch, and J. Clark.