THE BIG PARADE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 92, 19 April 1941, Page 10

THE BIG PARADE

IMPRESSIVE SIGHT

STRENGTH OF rfOME FRONT

CITY PREPARED

The preparedness of Wellington to meet, any emergency that might arise was amply demonstrated today, when the biggest parade in the history, of the city took place along the main waterfront thoroughfare. The display was originally arranged by the Central Military District authorities, but was later, made a Government ceremony and members of the armed Forces and all branches of the civil defence organisations, numbering 11,500, took part. Unexpectedly brilliant summer

weather added to the impressiveness of a memorable sight.

The parade was watched by a large number of people, who started to gather along the route of the march early this afternoon. Excellent work had been done by the traffic authorities, detours having been arranged so as to leave all approaches to the waterfront clear.

The salute was taken from the small j reserve , opposite the* old fire station by the Chief of the General Staff, Major-General Sir John Duigan. National and civic dignitaries were also represented. The military units gave the salute by platoons and the civil groups by equivalent units. Some units of the Home Guard .and E.P.S. assembled in their own suburbs soon after 1 o'clock and were brought into the city by special transport, but the first assembly in preparation for moving off took place in, the city at 2 p.m. The system of marshalling the various detachments at different points enabled the component parts of the parade to converge on Waterloo Quay in their correct order of march. NEW ZEALAND TANK. One of the most interesting features of the display was tlie first public appearance of the New Zealand-built tank, but among the marching units great attention was claimed by the Women's War Service Auxiliary, which was seen for the first time in uniforms issued earlier in the week. The interest shown in the W.W.S.A. was perfectly understandable, for although such service uniforms were common in England in the Great War, they had never before been seen in New Zealand. The neatness of the dress typified the efficiency that characterises all branches of women's whole-hearted co-operation in the war effort. All three fighting Services were well represented, the men taking part showing both keenness and the results of the intensive training they have undergone. Marching six abreast, although not usual, presented no difficulty to army and Air Force units. Naval, military, and Air Force detachments were warmly received, particularly the kilted local battalion of the New Zealand Scottish Regiment.

To many Wellingtonians the, magnitude of the voluntary work that has been done for civil defence was a revelation, and the excellence of the marching showed that members of the civil units, their job having been started, were determined to give of their best. It was easy to imagine that with proper equipment a formidable obstacle would await any invader of New Zealand's shores. The willingness of ex-servicemen to do their bit once more was indicated by the large number of Great War veterans in the various units.

A. parade of such volume could Hot but inspire confidence in the solidity of the home front, and show that New are ready and willing to display the same courage and determination in the cause of democracy as the civilian heroes and heroines in Great Britain.