COLOURS PRESENTED

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 125, 13 May 1935, Page 6

COLOURS PRESENTED

Military Ceremony

MOUNTED RIFLES REGIMENT

Carried out in all the picturesqueness of military pageantry, the consecration end presentation of the guidon (the colours) of the Wellington and East Coast Mounted Rifles Regiment at the Napier camp yesterday attracted between 400 Q and 5000 people to watch it. It was an impressive ceremony, befitting in solemnity, aud displaying a high standard of discipline among the 300 odd men and horses who took part in it. The ceremony of consecration was carried out by the Bishop of Waiapu, the Rt. Rev. H. H. Williams, and that of presentation by Major-General Sir Andrew Bussell. So far us the Wellington and East Coast Mounted Bifles were concerned the ceremony was unique. The guidon is dedicated to those men of the regiment who died in the service of the Empire in the Great War and in the Boer War.

The reception of the presenting officer by the regiment opened the ceremony, There followed the trooping of the old standard before the line of the regiment to tho strains of “John Peel” and “Auld Lang Syne,” which were played by the Regimental BanJ. Then, with the formation of the parade altered so as to form three sides of • square, the Bishop, the chaplain and the presenting officer, the Bishop in red surplice, made their way to a position in tho centre of the parade, where the guidon lay on top of the drams. There the chaplain, standing before the drums, said, “Dearly beloved in the Lord, forasmuch as men at all times have made for themselves signs and emblems of their allegiance to their rulers, aud of their duty to uphold those laws and institutions which God’s Provldenco has called them to obey; we, following this natural and pious custom, and remembering that God Himself led His people Israel by a pillar of fire by night, and a pillar of cloud by day, are met together before God to ask His Blessing on these colours, which are to represent to us our duty towards our sovereign and our country. Let us, therefore, pray Almighty God io His mercy to grant that they may never be unfurled save in the cause of justice and righteousness; and that He may make them to be to those who follow them a sign of His Presence with them in al] dangers and distresses, and may increase their faith and hope in Him who is the King o< kings and Lord of lords.” Then followed prayers the Benediction, and the ceremony of consecration was concluded. The presentation was carried out in the familiar manner. Tho commanding officer advanced, knelt before the presenting officer and received the guidon on behalf of the regiment. He then handed it to the mounted bearer, who was accompanied by two mounted escorts. The presiding officer then mounted his charger, and addressed the regiment, following which the colour party wheeled about and the guidon was received with a general salute. The regiment then marched past the presenting officer in column of troops and-column of squadrons, first at the walk then again in the latter formation at the trot. Line was again re-form-ed, and the regiment advanced in review order towards the saluting base. A general salute was given, followed by tho National Anthem. This completed the impressive ceremony and tho regiment marched back to the lines. Probably iu no part of the ceremony was tho degree of discipline so displayed as in the march-past, first nt the walk and then at the trot. Throughout, the regiment maintained almost perfect line as Major-General Sir An drew Russell took the salute. Man and horse were as one. Finally the regiment formed up again in review order and advanced. Following the parade the Regimental Band played played in the camp and the guidon was on view to the public.