ON PARADE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 310, 31 December 1940, Page 8

ON PARADE.

WOMEN IN KHAKI. NATIONAL SERVICE CORPS. With heads held high, and with military precision, members of the Women's National Service Corps paraded nt the Avondalc racecourse this morning, when they were inspected by Brigadier P. H. Bell, D.5.0., officer commanding the noil horn military district. For the past week approximately 150 members of the corps have been in camp there, and training to a schedule has been carried out. When Brigadier Bell arrived at the camp diie morning tlie corps, in charge of their commanding officer, Mi*s D. M. Hawking, marched to flic parade ground near the totalisator house and drew up in battlion formation, then marched past in column of platoons. They formed up again, advanced in review order, and received Brigadier Bell with the general salute. At the conclusion (if the pnrade, whk-h was in full drees, the general salute was again given. Tho brigadier inspected the corjw and the camp, and before, leaving spoke highly of what he had seen. He said that it was a most excellent performance, mid tlie drill was extremely good. The camp was a line example of what a military camp should lie. He added that the training had n definite purpose and it would provide sections for various activities should the necessity arise. The corps would 'be a big asset and of great value in time of emergency. Happy Under Canvas. The members of the corps are having a happy time under canvas and the work ie varied enough to make it interesting. There is ample opportunity for recreation, with, a canteen where at stated hours ice cream and soft drinks are procurable, while the site of the camp is surrounded with every facilitv. When the parade was held to-day it was full dress, which meant wearing stockings, but when in working dress about the camp, the girls in khaki are bare-legged and they ai> getting just a<s much tan as they would on an Auckland beach.

The corps at full strength numbers about 400. A good many members are absent on vacation, but those who have elected to spend their holiday -week at Avondale have probably had as good a time as they would have had anywhere else. The drill is taken seriously, ae shown by the military bearing of the young Auoklandere in all their activities. They rise early to start a day of routine, and those who happen to be on guard are alert at their posts throughout the night. The catering is on generous lines, and there is ample plain food without striving for luxury. The midday meal is a simple repast in which bread, cheese and lettuce figures, and that is the sort of midday meal that most people would prefer. Some of the corps are in their element they get on cookhouse duty, and there are others who have discovered that the preparation of a meal can be a fascinating occupation. Feminine Touch. Visitors to the camp have been impressed with the tidy way in which the tent* are kept. There is a distinct feminine touch in the way bedding and clothing is so meticulously folded, but apart from that the general appearance of everything is strictly military. At the gate one meets a determinedlooking young lady, with a baton in her hand, who stands smartly to attention as she requests the visitor's pass and authority for entrance. And when that is produced the next stage ie to headquarters, where the military atmosphere is even more marked. Yet there is a courtesy and kindness with it all, which visitors appreciate just as much as they admire the high standard of efficiency which the Women's National Service; Corps has reached since ite inauguration.'