Battalion Marches Through Wellington In The Rain

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28447, 29 November 1957, Page 7

Battalion Marches Through Wellington In The Rain

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Nov. 28. The bad weather that seems to have, settled on Wellington could not even let up for half an hour today to allow the Ist Battalion, New Zealand Regiment, which is going to Malaya, a fine march through Wellington streets. The battalion began its march from Oriental Bay at 1.20 p.m. just as black clouds began to spit rain. A quarter of an hour later, when it reached the saluting base at the Town Hall, it was teeming. Thousands of people who had been lining the streets broke and scattered for the cover of verandas, but hundreds more braved it out, and though soon soaked to the skin stayed to give a rousing cheer. As for the marching troops, they put on a precision display that would have softened the eye of even the sternest martinet of a regimental sergeant-major in the Grenadier Guards. Possibly, the band smartened the step a little as the downpour drenched everyone, but otherwise it was a case of heads up, chests out, and arms swung waist-high, front and rear. At the Town Hall, the Mayor (Mr F. J. Kitts, M.P.) in his robes of office raised his hat in acknowledgement as each company swung past, eyes rigidly to the right. He was accompanied by the Deputy-Chief of the General Staff (Brigadier R. C. Queree) and by the commander of the Central Military District (Brigadier C. L. Pleasants). Behind the Mayor stood members of the council and some of their wives.

There was a special cheer for Corporal T. Waretine, proudly holding the unit’s mascot, a mounted kiwi. On arrival at the wharf, the troops were briefly addressed by the Governor-General (Lord Cobham) before going aboard the Captain Cook. They also handed in their now out-of-date rifles. In

Malaya they will be issued with the new F.N. rifles. The Captain Cook sailed at 4.50 p.m. today, and a large crowd was on the wharf to farewell the troops. The president of the Wellington branch of the Royal Society of St. George (Mr K. W. Kilpatric) today sent a telegram to the battalion extending good wishes on its mission to Malaya, and stating that the branch had confidence that the battalion would uphold the splendid traditions of the New Zealand forces. The telegram added: “May the spirit of St. George go with you to strengthen and sustain.” The Minister of Defence (Mr D. J. Eyre), who is out of Wellington at present, and the Chief of -the General Staff (Major-Gen-eral C. E. Weir) also sent “God speed” messages to the battalion today.