SATURDAY'S CEREMONY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLI, Issue 9896, 11 September 1914, Page 6

SATURDAY'S CEREMONY.

t (TO TBI EDITOR.)

Sir,—Does it not occur to you that Satirday afternoon is a most unsuitable time ,o indulge in the ceremonial proceedings purposed by the Mayor in connection with he expeditionary troops? After two lays' heavy work, involving 30 v miles of .oute-marching, a night out in ' the open, tnd the Feilding proceedings, it is surely jnfair to ask the men to stand to ct;ention for an hour in Palmerston Square .vhile they have their photos, taken and toft nothings sail to them. The Mayor .s , evidently considering limelight effects •ather than advantage or comfort of the Droops. Cannot a more favourable opportunity be found for presenting flags ind speech-making and photo-taking?, Anyway, in this time of stern realities all spectacular twaddle is surely out of place md keeping with the Kitchener spirit. Is it too much to hope that the. men .nay at least be given and' accommodation for sitting down while the "business" lasts?—l am, etc., R., THOMPSON.

Feilding, Sept. 10, 1914". [The matter is in the 'hands of the Military authorities, and we presume they ire oompetent to deal with. ,? it in a satisfactory manner. Seeing that the "heavy ,vork" our correspondent complains of is Jue to Feilding's desire to have the troops :here for a .day, our correspondent's remarks are out of place.]