SIX THOUSAND IN KHAKI.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 281, 25 November 1915, Page 7

SIX THOUSAND IN KHAKI.

MILITARY FETE AT DOMAIN. HUGE RALLY OF SCOUTS. The military fete at the Domain yesterday provided an opportunity for the largest parade that has been seen in Auckland since the outbreak of war. In addition to tbe territorials there were the local companies of senior cadets, and a parade of boy scouts that spoke volumes for the practical forward movement that has been made since Hon. Chief Scoutmaster H. Stebbing took up his organising duties a few weeks ago. The parade states are convincing proof of the splendid response to the order for a general parade. The inspiration of the motive which prompted the fete was obvious in the general gallantry of bearing that characterised the whole of the proceedings. As the long column marched steadily from the waterfront, en route lor the Domain, the procession was witnessed by thousands of deeply interested spectators. Unfortunately the interest did not move so many to attend the display at the Domain. Those who were present, however, were rewarded by a spectacle that has in many respects never been equalled in Auckland. The rally of scouts alone was worth going a long way to see. and the bustle of ordered activity on the cricket ground while the khaki clad youth of the city took part gaily in military contests presented an animated scene that left no room for a dull moment. The three military bands, attached to the 3rd i Auckland)" Mounted Rifles, the 3rd (Aucklandl Regiment, and the Division of Garrison Artillery, with the Pipers, the various fife and drum bands, and the Technical College brass band, provided music both on the march and at the place of rendezvous. When the khaki-clad thousands had massed on the Domain, the parade formed up for that always thrilling military manoeuvre, the march past. Colonel 1 E. Hume. O.C. District, led his command in person. Colonel the Hon. -las. Allen, Minister of Defence, being the reviewing officer. As the parade marched past iv quarter-column of platoons, the bearing and steadiness of all ranks told a story of effective training and a spirit of discipline that might well have been brought home to many thousands more than came to see. The N'iue Islanders, from the training camp at Narrow Neck, received a magnificent ovation as they swung by in their service kit. Special mention must be made. too. of the splendid showing of the boy scouts, their marching being well nigh perfect in point of alignment and rhythm. There were many present who cherished a hope that the conscience of the reviewing officer would be stirred to remember that we used to do this sort of thing even better in the primary schools, leaving the expert instructors of the scouts the more leisure to devote their attention to the specialised departments of scout craft that are such an admirable factor in the character building of our youth. When the march past had been concluded, the various committees too,'< charge of their respective branches, and a military programme of diversified interest was carried through with signal success. The fact that everything passed off without a hitch was due to the wholehearted enthusiasm and practical administrative skill of the members of different committees, but special congratulations may fittingly be tendered to Major J. E. Duigan, General Staff Officer for the district, and to his assistants. Captain FT. dc F. Garland and Sergt.-llajor Browning, of District Headquarters, for the skilful touch that was never wanting at the right time to make for smooth" I ness and pleasant progress. THE PARADE STATE. The following figures show the strength of the various units on parade:— Other Officers. Banks. Tl District Staff 7 _ - Permanent Staff ] — g s Motor Reserve— Car Section 21 _ o, Boat Section l(j _ Jg "A" Squadron. A.M.R.. and Band 5 jso or "A" Company Field Artil'r er 4 r,u fin Garrison Artillery 7 '2A7, 252 Field Engineers 2 102 104 Divisional Sisnal Co 1 .-;.-, .ifi Railway Battalion 4 10r> 100 P. and T. Corps ;; 20 32 3rd Maori Contingent.... 12 27."> 287 3rd (Auckland) Rest, and Band ir, 5€S3 580 Coast Defence Infantry.. fi IS3 .389 Army Service Corps 4 200 204 No. 1 Field Ambulance.. 1 KIT, im> Senior Cadets and Bands 24 1652 1706 National Reserve and Bands 30 31.-, .145 Total of Territorials .. 162 3957 4149 Boy Sconts — — 1473 Grand total on parade 3IJ2S