Veldt Veterans Gather in Gisborne

"Old soldiers never die" would seem to be the impression given by more than two hundred veterans of the South African War who gathered in Gisborne last month for their annual conference. Although their average age was in the mid-seventies, they wore their years so lightly that when they formed up for parades the casual onlooker could be forgiven for mistaking them at least for men of the First World War. They came to Gisborne prepared to enjoy themselves, and they were given plenty of scope. The local South African War Veterans' Association, assisted by the Gisborne Returned Services Association and friends, turned on five days of hospitality which taxed even their undoubted powers of endurance. The weather was kind, and the whole conference was voted an outstanding success.

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The Gisborne president, Mr A. J. H. Kirkham, welcoming guests at the initial function in the Opera House.

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A cross-section of the visitors and their wives.

One of the most impressive ceremonies of the conference was on the Sunday, when wreaths were laid on the South African War memorial (the band rotunda on the banks of the Turanganui River opposite the War Memorial).

With Mr Rigby were Mr G. Brooke Carter, of Gisborne, retiring Dominion president, and Mr Kirkham.

After the wreaths were laid, members formed up and marched to Holy Trinity Church for a servic conducted by Archdeacon Morris.

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53a Old soldiers march in Gladstone Road

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Veterans formed up in Read's Quay and marched to the memorial, headed (left) by Mr A. H. Barwick, representing the Returned Services Association, and Mr J. C. Rigby, Dunedin, incoming president of the South Africa War Veterans' Association.

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The ceremony is seen, as the Last Post was sounded.

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The sprightly bearing and youthful appearance of some of the veterans is seen to advantage.

The conference had its sad moments, but the innate good humour of the old soldiers kept bubbling to the surface.

One happy occasion was in the Opera House during a concert for the visitors, when Mr Carter, of Gisborne, retiring president of the Dominion association, was presented with an honour unique in the history of the association—a bar to the gold badge presented to him in 1936 for outstanding services.

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Mr Rigby and Mr McKeich honour grave of fellow veteran

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Bemedalled Boer War soldiers watch as wreath is laid on memorial

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Mr Carter receiving his decoration

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An old soldier shows the flag ... Mr Bertrum, Auckland, presenting Mr Carter with South African war colours to mark appreciation of Gisborne welcome

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The Barbershop Quintette sang turn-of-the-century songs From left Messrs Stafford, Taylor-Smith, Vincent, Sloan, and Thorburn.