GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Evening Star, Issue 23724, 4 November 1940, Page 6

GOVERNOR-GENERAL

INSPECTION OF CAMPS FINE SNOWING BY THE MEN HIS EXCELLENCY'S GOOD WISHES His Excellency tjio Governor-General (Viscount Galway), who arrived yesterday afternoon, tills morning paid visits ol inspection to tbo Territorial camps at Wingatui and Forbury Park, the parade in the latter instance being hold at Hancock Park, St. Kilda. At both grounds tho parade was carried out in bright sunshine, and the respective units made very fine showing. The Governor-General, who was accompanied by his aid i>, Captain Lord Dormer, A.D.C., and Major J. G. Jeffery (area staff officer), first visited Wingatui where the 3rd Eicld Regiment is in camp. The parade was under the command of Major J. W, Smeaton. in the absence of the commanding officer, Colonel S. G. Secular. The regiment, drawn up on its parade ground, made an impressive sight as it presented arms in the Royal Salute to His Excellency, who then inspected the troops and took a march past. In this the first draft of new recruits took part with the men who have been in training since tjie beginning of February. Following an address by His Excellency, two troops turned out in fast time and -went into action in the centre of the racecourse with full signal communication and co-ordination of troops and fire. The camouflaged army tractors, vehicles, and guns were very capably bandied, and tbo men in charge made a fine showing in the exercise. His Excellency later inspected the camp, paying particular attention to the messes, cook houses, and the facilities provided for the comfort and health of the men. He spoke of his entire satisfaction with the lay-out of the camp and the steps taken to ensure the maximum of comfort for all trainees. In all the Governor-General was at the camp about an hour. The vice-rcgal party then returned to St. Kilda where the men of the Ist Battalion Southland Regiment, in Forbury Park, nvere drawn up in Hancock Park under the command of Major C. E. Lees. There were between 460 and 500 men in this parade, both the men who have been in camp since September and the later admissions participating. His Excellency was greeted by the mayor of St. Kilda (Mr J. J. Marlow). Following the Royal Salute, His Excellency inspected the ranks and then took a march past. The men, including a small unit of motor cyclists, showed up to decided advantage in tho march, and it was evident they were determined to convey some indication of the benefits derived from their long training, and in this they were completely successful. Indeed, they presented a fine sight as they marched round the parade ground with tjie sun glinting on their bayonets. As at YVingatui the GovernorGeneral addressed tho men in these words:—•

“ Officers and men, I have but one thing to say, and that is to give vou my good wishes and wish you good luck. I have been delighted with all I have seen this morning, and 1 am pleased to welcome you in the work you are doing in the prosecution of the war and in the defence of the Dominion. I have been pleased at the high standard of efficiency shown iby this battalion, and I extend to you all my best wishes.” The vice-regal party then paid a brief visit to the camp at Forbury Park.