21 YEARS AFTER

Waikato Times, Volume 121, Issue 20279, 23 August 1937, Page 8

21 YEARS AFTER

WAR RECRUITS GATHER. REUNION IN HAMILTON. A UNIQUE FUNCTION. An event of historical significance for the survivors of E Company, 20th. Reinforcement, N.Z.E.F., recruited from all parts of the Auckland province, but mainly from the Waikato district, was celebrated in Hirmilton on Saturday night. Twenty-one years ago to-day the company went to Featherston Camp, and the intervening years were bridged at a smoke social reunion of those who returned to New Zealand—the first peace-time muster of the company. As a reinforcement company, apart from a regimental gathering, the reunion was probably unique in New Zealand^. The original strength was 179 of all ranks, of whom 36, including two of the four officers, were killed, while six have since died since the war. The celebrants on Saturday night totalled about 70. Many of the absentees sent apologies, and others had become so dispersed that It was Impossible to locate them. The guests of honour were the Mayor, Mr J. R. Fow, who, as Mayor, farewelled the company at Hamilton in 1916, Captain G. Dlttmer. Waikato Area Officer, who was officer commanding the 6th. Hauraki Company with the Fourth Brigade, which absorbed a large part of the reinforcement company, and representatives of relatives of .those killed- Major A. W. Short (Auckland), officer commanding the E Company, presided. The proceedings opened with an exchange of greetings between the two men from farthest north (Bay of Islands) and farthest south (Wellington), respectively. Members’ Decorations. Points of Interest revealed at the gathering were that six members of the company were decorated; one being awarded the M.C., one the D.C.M., and four the M.MI Eight pairs of brothers, Including twins, and one case of father and son were noted on the company roll. Among those present were two brothers who had not met for 13 years. In his remarks Major Short expressed pleasure at the large gathering. which reflected the strong spirit of comradeship and unity in the company, a spirit which he was sure all would strive to perpetuate. Major Short also expressed pleasure at being present as officer commanding, and his pride at the record of the company both in New Zealand, on the troop ship, and in the field. Captain Dittmer spoke approvingly of Hie E Company men who joined him in the Fourth Brigade, and endorsed Major Short’s remarks of the way the men acquitted themselves in camp. Toast List. The official toast list included The Company, proposed by Mr Fow and responded to by Major Short; Absent Comrades, proposed by Mr V. D. Edwards (Hamilton) and responded to by Mr R. C. G. Weston (Wellington); The Officers, proposed by Mr R. Mackav (Bulls) and responded to by Mr P. Williamson (Wbangamata), and the silent toast Departed Comrades, proposed by Mr W. Sanderson (Manu- ; rewa). The gathering expressed its warm approval of the work of Mr Sander- | son, who was toasted as the orfginai tor and convener of tiie reunion and who was responsible for almost the whole of the organisation. The final incident of a function made thrilling b> the renewal of associations broken by time and distance for two decades was the presentation to Major Short of a scroll signed by all present.