AUCKLAND REGIMENT

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1049, 13 August 1930, Page 18

AUCKLAND REGIMENT

REUNION OF MEMBERS DISBANDMENT DEPLORED “The abolition of the Territorial movement is a very great blow to me,” said Lieutenant-Colonel T. H. Dawson. Officer Commanding the First Battalion, Auckland Regiment (Countess of Ranfurly’s Own), at a reunion of past and present members at Scots Hall last evening. Over 400 members attended. “The military spirit is in the blood of all New Zealand men,” he continued. “I do not think that peace is permanent. When we all think alike we shall get peace, but not before. The pity is that should trouble come in the future we shall not be ready. Even with compulsory military training we were not fully ready last time, and without military training we cannot be ready next time. All you men have been through the mill, and I think it is only right that the others who come after you should do their share, too.” The unit had always maintained the best traditions right from the volunteer times to the present day. He thanked all the officers for their loyal support during the three years he had commanded the battalion. Every man had pulled his full weight He paid special tribute to the Permanent Staff members who had been attached to tho regiment. He regretted the loss of their adjutant, Captain J. G. C. Wales, who had been appointed bursar at King’s College. Thanks were also extended to Major T. B. Dale and T. J. Cronin. A voluntary non-commis-sioned officers’ class is to be continued. Colonel C. T. Major, one of the foundation members of the regiment, presented 12 years’ service medals to Captains D. M. Rae. W. H. Fortune, Sinclair Reed and J. R. Grey. Captain Rae also received a 16 years’ service medal. Trophies were awarded as follow for competitions at the recent camp: Clean line competition, B Company; guard-mounting, O Company; best company striking camp, D Company: best recruit in regiment. Bandsman Hogg. •