MARCHING FEET

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 145, 21 June 1941, Page 8

MARCHING FEET

PARADE OF TROOPS CROWD LINES STREETS Through lanes of applauding Aucklandcrs, N.Z.E.F. reinforcements marched through the city this morning, led by the Papakura Camp Band, and accompanied at intervals by several other bands. Their route led them from the Domain along Karangahape Road, down Queen Street and then to the railway station via Customs Street. Marching in compact columns of sixes, the troops made a fine showing. especially the infantry wearing drill order with arms and haversacks, their fixed bayonets glinting dully in the clear winter sunshine. The bearing of the Maori reinforcements also called forth enthusiastic bursts of applause throughout the whole of the route of march. The salute was taken at the Town Hall by the ollicer commanding the Northern military district, Brigadier P. H. Bell, D.5.0.. attended by the Mayor. Mr. J. A. C. Allum, the Hon. P. K. Paikea, member of the Executive Council representing the native race, and representatives of the services. Members of the Returned Soldiers' Association lined Queen Street on either side of the base. Vantage points along the route were at a premium as the troops passed, and bursts of clapping and cheers marked the passing of each section. Calls to individual men from the crowd, mainly of a facetious nature, were as frequent as ever, and, as in the past, the troops on such occasions relaxed their "on parade' front and responded to quips with a smile. At the railway station bayonets were unfixed and the troops entrained to return to camp. The parade was commanded bv Major R Tilsey, M.C., D.C.M., E.D., with Lieutenant C. R. Nathan. N.Z.S.C. as adjutant. The camp was open to visitors this afternoon, and will be open from 2.30 to 4.30 pm tomorrow.