TROOPS PARADE IN CITY

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23204, 16 December 1940, Page 6

TROOPS PARADE IN CITY

TRIBUTES TO THEIR SERVICE

CEREMONY AT CRANMER

SQUARE

A stirring parade of Burnham-trained troops of the second section of the 4th Reinforcements of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force was made through the streets of Christchurch on Saturday morning. The bearing of the men was admired by thousands lining the route of the march from the railway station, but the attendance of the public at the parade ground at Cranmcr square was small. The troops, headed by the Expeditionary Force Pipe Band, and under the command of Major H. Henderson, were cheered as they marched on to Cranmer square. They were followed by the Territorial Force and the National Reserve. When Brigadier O. H. Mead arrived the general salute was given, followed by the playing of New Zealand’s National Anthem and the reading of a prayer by the Rev. E. M. Enright. "The mission on which you go is more than a great enterprise, a great venture/’ said the Deputy-Mayor (Mi J. S. Barnett) to the assembled troops. They were going forward to fight for the preservation of the moral and spiritual life and the preservation of the world from a state of abject slavery. He expressed the feelings of groat gratitude of the people for their service. A personal message of goodwill from the Government was conveyed by the Minister for Agriculture (the Hon. W. Lee Martin), who thanked the men for having responded so nobly to the highest call of citizenship. In wishing them godspeed and a great victory, the Government knew that the men had no illusions about the magnitude of the struggle, but it was confident they would play their part with distinction. The promise of the late Mr M. J. Savage that the men would not return to an unseemly struggle for their existence, and his statement that the best the Dominion could give would not be too much for the men fighting their battles, had been endorsed by every section m Parliament; and they stood to-day. In this grim struggle, calling for the highest attributes of valour and courage, he was sure the men would worthily uphold the traditions of the Empire and of the Dominion. The inspiring 'news from Egypt in tne last few days recording the great victory over the Italian forces would, he was confident, act as a stimulant to all the men ancl make them eager to join their comrades overseas. He was also certain Britain and the Dominions would win, because their cause was the cause of justice; and to the soldiers would be the honour and the glory. “Road to Victory” Congratulations to the men on a wonderful parade, which he was sure had thrilled the hearts of the people, were extended by the Hon. A. Hamilton, a member of the War Cabinet, As successive forces of the Expeditionary Force had left New Zealand, so the stages of the great struggle overseas had changed. With courage and cheerfulness, they had fought back from the blackest hours. The part taken in the capture of Sidi Barrani and in the smashing of the advanced forces of the Italians in Egypt had inspired them all- to them, the troops on parade would carry the Dominion’s message of thanks, trust and confidence. All should take inspiration from the heroic endeavours of British and Dominion forces in the struggle so far and the manner in which the civilians oi Britain were bearing cheerfully for them the terrible burdens of tragedy as well as of work. . . “The road to victory is beginning to define itself,” Mr Hamilton said. "We are in the fight to the end. There will be no turning back. We give all and dare all, to ensure all or lose all. Our victory—your victory—will rejoice and enrich the world. On behalf of the War Cabinet, I wish to say how proud we are of your example. With courage unshaken and faith undiinmed, let us hold fast, spare no effort and think only in terms of victory. For the dawn of victory and your return we work and pray. What a day that will be!” Wishing the men the best of luck on behalf of the Relumed Soldiers’ Association, Mr D. W. Russell said that as they surveyed the war situation they could take great pride in the achievements of the Navy in keeping the seven seas open, the Army which was bringing about great victories against the Italians, and the Air Force, which Lloyd George had described as the "cavalry of the clouds.” in saving Britain from invasion. Through the mists of war, they saw the light of victory glimmering; that light would strengthen. While the men were away, the Returned Soldiers’ Association would safeguard their interests: and on their return it would fight to the last ditch to see they had the reward they deserved. Army Congratulations The men were complimented by Brigadier Mead on their excellence on parade. Some of them would be disappointed in having to wait to meet the enemy, ho said. Those who felt disappointed should reflect that the war would probably be a long one and feelings of disappointment should not be allowed to enter into or in any way impair their resolution to achieve victory as the ultimate result. The example of patience had been shown by the people of Britain and the Empire. The task in front of them was to prepare for victory. Their comrades’ out in the desert had probably also been bored. There would be other periods of waiting but they would have to put up with that. Tire news of (he wonderful efforts of the Greeks and of their comrades’ victories in Egypt would, he felt sure, inspire and encourage them. Brigadier Mead also congratulated the 4th Reinforcement on their excellent behaviour while in ettmp, and extended to them wishes for good fortune, the best of Christmases in the circumstances. and victory in 1941. The men sang “Roll Out the Barrel” with vigour, and after being cheered by the public, marched past the saluting base and through the city streets before being granted leave for the day. The parade strength was:—Expeditionary Force, 1700; Territorials and National Military Reserve, 1291.

TROOPS PARADE IN WELLINGTON

LORD GALWAY’S ADDRESS WELLINGTON, December 14. A parade of troops from Trentham Mobilisation' Camp brought big crowds into the city streets this mpm* ing. It was hot and sultry after heavy overnight rain. The march suffered from the paucity of band music, but the men were a soldierly lot and spectators were greatly impressed - with them.

Crowds assembled along the x’oute of the march, but at the scene of the parade itself at Parliament House the numbers *were somewhat thin. Representatives of the State, Army, Navy,

and Air Force were present, together with consuls of Allied nations and representatives of Empire countries. In an address the Governor-General (Lord Galway) said that there was no doubt that the corner had been turned and the Empire was making progress towards the victory of right over wrong. “We are thrilled to read of the deeds being accomplished in the Western Desert. Egypt, where the Ist Echelon and others of the New Zealand forces are no doubt taking their full share,” he said. Lord Galway also referred to the success being achieved by Greek arms. The only way victory could be achieved, he said, was by striking hard blows wherever they could be struck.

BIG PARADE IN

AUCKLAND

MORE THAN FOUR THOUSAND TAKE PART AUCKLAND, December 14. The biggest military parade held in Auckland took place to-day, when more than 4000 men and women in uniform assembled in the Domain before a march through the city streets, which were lined with citizens. Nine bands led the troops. The parade included reinforcements training in the Auckland district, nurses,' territorial battalions, fortress troops, the Home Guard, the Women’s National Service Corps, and the Returned Soldiers’ Association,

At the Domain. congratulatory speeches were made by the Hon, D. G. Sullivan, representing the Government, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, of the War Cabinet. Sir Ernest Davis. Mayor of Auckland, and Brigadier P. H. Bell, Officer Commanding the district. Mr Coates took occasion to warn the citizens of the Dominion’s possible danger, stating that, in his opinion, the home defence forces were doing S3 valuable a job as the men going overseas.

Before the parade moved off from the Domain, Auckland’s recent drought broke, and the men marched through heavy showers, which were lighter as the parade moved down Queen street. The salute was taken at the Town Hall by Brigadier Bell. The soldiers were enthusiastically acclaimed throughout the march.