KING VISITS TROOPS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 211, 5 August 1940, Page 3

KING VISITS TROOPS

INTEREST IN MAORIS. LONDON, July 12. Heavy summer rain, falling in torrents, drenched the men of the Second Echelon when the King visited them at their camp. It was the first heavy rain they had experienced sjneo landing, and they would have preferred that it had fallen another day. Whatever other effect it may have had, it certainly did not damp tho enthusiasm of the troops or lessen the thoroughness of the King’s inspection. His Majesty was met by MajorGeneral 11. O. Freybcrg, V.C., and Mr W. J. Jordan (High Commissioner). “Is your overcoat sufficient protection for you against this downpour?” the King asked Mr Jordan, showing his characteristic thoughtfulness. Mr Jordan assured him on the point, and the tour of inspection began. Tho King was at the camp for six hours. Units for tho most part were engaged in routine training, but the railway construction and maintenance group was drawn up for a formal inspection. Then the King went on to see the Maoris. Their drill had greatly interested other visitors to the camps, and His Majesty was equally attracted by it. The Maoris were undergoing bayonet instruction, and after watching one section the King moved on with a broad smile. Under the Royal eye a Maori sergeant was going through the patter of drill, instruction. It may have been force of liahit, or it may have been that he was particularly anxious that no slips should occur on this important occasion. .At any rate the Maori exhorted his men: “Eor goodness sake don’t drop your rifle.” It was a moment admirable for PI. M. Bateman. ’But fortunately no rifle was dropped, the order was executed neatly, and the King moved on smiling to himself.