COMPULSORY TRAINEES

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27072, 22 June 1953, Page 10

COMPULSORY TRAINEES

PARADE AT BURNHAM CAMP

The ninth intake of compulsory military trainees, comprising 883 men, who entered Burnham Military Camp on April 9. marched past the Quarter-master-General (Brigadier C. E. Weir) at a passing-out parade at the camp on Saturday. The men. who have completed their period of training, will now be reservists for the next three years.

Brigadier Weir, who inspected the men and took the salute, said that the New Zealand Army was just one part of a great Commonwealth army whose object was to maintain world peace, to resist aggression, and to preserve the rights, ideals, and way oi living of the Dominion, the Commonwealth, and the Western democracies. “It is an inspiration to see such a large body of young men conduct themselves with such precision at the end of their training,; said Brigadier Weir, congratulating the men on their appearance and drill. “I hope you will put the same zeal and efficiency into your territorial service.” Brigadier Weir said that he was pleased to see that such a large number of civilians had attended the parade. The Army was grateful for the support that citizens gave to the national service scheme. The commander of the Southern Military District (Brigadier J. T. Burrows) accompanied Brigadier Weir on his inspection and at the saluting base. The parade, consisting of five companies and two bands, under the command of the Burnham Camp Commandant (Lieutenant-Colonel F. L. H. Davis) paraded on A block parade ground. Units of artillery, infantry, engineers, signallers, the Medical Corps, and the Army Service Corps took part. A demonstration showing how the men of different units were armed and what they carried was given after the parade, together with a display of army vehicles and equipment. A physical training exhibition was also given. Specially invited guests included the Commanding Officer of the Canterbury Division. Royal New Zealand Naval Volunteer Reserve (Commander J. N. Allan), the Commander of the Third Infantry Brigade (Brigadier E. A. McPhail). and the Commander of the Third General Hospital (Colonel J; K. Dawson). Mr J. K. McAlpine. M.P., and Mr J. Mathison. M.P.