TROOPS PARADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 113, 8 November 1940, Page 6

TROOPS PARADE

TRENTHAM CEREMONY

VISIT BY PRIME MINISTER

EMPIRE CAUSE

The Dominion's Confidence in the troops she is sending overseas to play their part in the Empire struggle against Nazi and Fascist tyranny, and the belief that they will fully maintain the traditions established by the first New Zealand Expeditionary Force in 1914-18 and by New Zealand sailors and airmen in the present war, was expressed by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) and other speakers at Trentham yesterday afternoon at a parade of units from the Central District Mobilisation Camp. The occasion was a visit of inspection by Mr. Fraser and other Cabinet Ministers, the In-spector-General of the New Zealand Military Forces (Major-General Sir Andrew Russell, X.C.8., K.C.M.G.), and other senior officers, high Government officials, and prominent citizens. The parade took place on the Trentham racecourse, on the lawn facing the main stand. The camp was open to the public for the afternoon, and several thousand friends and relatives of soldiers in training were present. The crowd, consisting largely of women, more than filled the stand. Although the men on parade have completed only a few weeks of their training, their smart and soldierly bearing was the subject of general favourable comment. After conveying to all ranks the gratitude of the people, the Government, and the.Parliament of New Zealand, the Prime Minister said the men were charged with the great responsibility of upholding the name and prestige of New Zealand, the British Commonwealth of Nations, and the British race in a cause that was the cause of humanity. With the help of such men as those on parade that cause would triumph. ENEMIES LEARN MISTAKE. Mr. Fraser said that before the war the Nazis led, by Hitler and the Fascists of Italy under Mussolini had believed that all democracies were inherently weak, and that the British Commonwealth of , Nations would crumble into dust at the first onslaught. The fighting in Norway, the epic retreat from Dunkirk, and the' victories of the British Navy and Air Force (in both of which services New .Zealanders had the privilege of serving) had shown them how wrong they were. Mr. Fraser also spoke of the courage and fortitude shown by the people of Great Britain—not only by those serving in the Navy, Army, Air Force, and Home Guard, but by everybody—and said that showed that no matter what destruction was rained down on them from "the skies the British people were more magnificent, more noble than ever before. ! "Wherever our lads are we know are New Zealanders fighting up co that magnificent standard," he said. Addressing the troops, he continued: "We know your conduct will be the conduct of New Zealand gentlemen of the standard set previously by all our New Zealand forces. We know that whatever your duty is it will be carried out. There will be no turning back; we will go forward with the fullest confidence. We know how you have applied yourselves during your period of training. We know you will go forward and that you will be soldiers as good as any that have ever left our shores. When your turn comes to proceed overseas you will carry with you our wishes for your safety and success and a speedy and safe return." Mr. Fraser said that his Excellency Lord Galway,.. who was unable to be present, had.sent an inspiring message on behalf of the King and himself. The best wishes of the citizens of Wellington were extended to the troops by the Mayor (Mr. T. C. A. Hislop). As an old soldier he congratulated them on their bearing on parade, which, he said, reflected credit on the men and their instructors. They would eventually be leaving to join their comrades overseas where they would be united in the greatest comradeship in which men could be united. They were going to take part, with our allies, in the battle for freedom. They would be used to build up a force worthy in every way to carry on the great name made by New Zealand in days gone by. A GREAT ADVENTURE. "You are going on a great adventure and your journeyings and work will be followed by the keen interest and prayers of a proud and grateful people in your homeland," said the Hon. Adam Hamilton, Leader of the Opposition and a member of-'the War Cabinet. "It is horrifying to think that in these supposedly enlightened and advanced days nations have to resort to war to settle their differences. On this occasion the British people are more united than ever before, knowing that the cause for which they fight is founded on justice and honour. This puts inspiration and determination into the hearts of their statesmen,, and they say, as did Sir Galahad of old, 'My strength is as the strength of ten because my heart is pure., We are proud of you for the part you have decided to play in the struggle. We shall do our best to keep the home fires burning while you are away and to see that everything possible is done for your equipment and comfort and for your rehabilitation on your return. May God bless you and keep you." "As president of the N.Z.R.S.A. it is my privilege today to convey to you new diggers the best wishes of the diggers of the last war," said the Hon. WPerry, M.L.C. "Already numbers of Australian and New Zealand troops have sailed overseas under the protecting wing of the British Navy, and, after 25 years, Anzac marches again, much to the dismay of Hitler the Scuttler and Mussolini his batman. Today the Empire has been deserted by some of her allies, others have been knocked out for the* time being, and she is surrounded by a ring of enemies. But are we downhearted?" There was a y roar of "No" from a mass of troops not taking part in the formal parade. OLD DIGGERS TO NEW. The Returned Soldiers' Association would look after the interests of the soldiers while they were away, Mr. Perry said, and would open its ranks to them when they returne.d in, it was to be hoped, the not far distant future. "The old" diggers wish the new diggers Kia Ora." A special prayer was then offered by the Rev. H. T. Peat, Chaplain to the Forces. The ceremonial parade concluded with a march past, Major-Gen-eral Sir Andrew Russell taking the j salute. Those present included the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones), the Leader of the Legislative Council (the Hon. D. Wilson, M.L.C), the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom in New Zealand (Sir Harry Batterbee), and various representatives of the three I services.