ROUTE MARCH

Evening Star, Issue 20117, 6 March 1929, Page 6

ROUTE MARCH

H.M.S. DIOMEDE’S COMPANY V .ft A FINE SIGHT The sight of sailorsmarching through the streets of the city is no ordinary one in Dunedin, which explains the interest taken by the public in the route march hv the ship s company of H.M.S. Diomede, along with a squad from the R.N.V.R. Division, this mornThe march was to have started at y.yO, but owing to the rain it seemed likely that it would he abandoned altogether. The weather cleared, however, and at 10.30 180 members of theship’s company and members of the R.N.V.R. left the Rattray street wharf alter an inspection had taken place in one of the Harbour Board’s sheds, Licutcnant.■ommandei Harper, of H.M.S. Diomede, being in command. Lieutenant Fraser, who was accompanied by the instructor (Chief Petty Officer Carr), was in charge of the R.N.V.R. squad, which comprised in addition a platoon petty officer and thirty-four ratings. The route followed was from the Rattray street wharf, passing on the left of the war memorial, along Cumberland street to the hospital. Turning down Hanover street King street was followed to the Gardens, where, after circling round, a halt w'as made on the left of the tramline, the return being via George street, Princes street, Manse street, High street, and Rattray treet to the ship The crowds who followed the course of the-march could not but be impressed by the hearing and splendid physique of the men, w ho were accompanied by' the ship’s band, wdiicli included two pipers. The whole company' marched well, serving to show that H M.S. Diomede possesses a high standard where the efficiency of its ship’s company is concerned. The men presented a fine sight as they marched through the city streets, and were deserving of the cheers that greeted them from the public at various places en route.