MOUNTED RIFLES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 219, 14 August 1940, Page 5

MOUNTED RIFLES

SQUADRON HEADQUARTERS. PARADE WELL ATTENDED. The initial parade of the Feilding and district unit of the 6th Mounted Rifles was held in the Drill Hall, last evening, when some 54 men paraded and were addressed by Major G. S. Peren, officer commanding, and the Mayor (Mr T. L. Seddon). Also present were Mr H. Smithers, Lieutenant G. M. Moflitt, and Mr K. M. Little, of the Territorial Association.

Mr Seddon congratulated the unit on the wonderful response made to the appeal for recruits to bring the Mounted Rifles up to strength, and on behalf of the citizens lie thanked Major Peren personally for establishing squadron headquarters in Feilding. The men were now members of a noble regiment. As president of the territorial Association, and on behalf of the representatives of the association present, he intimated that the association was prepared to extend all its help to the squadron, and it desired to provide social amenities and recreation in addition to the best facilities for the successful training of the men. “Your acceptance of our support will give us pleasure as members of the association,” the Mayor added. Continuing, Mr Seddon said that the present war would decide the future happiness and prosperity of the British Empire, which would he victorious only as long as it received guidance from and had faith in God. Major Peren returned thanks to the Mayor on behalf of the regiment and expressed his pleasure at the encouraging .response there had been in Feilding. He felt that the unit had been happily launched in that it had the backing of the Mayor and the Territorial Association,. who were to take an active interest in the welfare of the men. Ho was confident that the unit would become one of which to be proud. Major Peren, in addressing the parade, said that be was satisfied they would take an interest in the work they had elected to do voluntarily. The strength of the squadron would be filled by units from the surrounding district. Major Peren was accompanied by Lieutenant A. W. Hudson, while the men were drilled by a sergeant and a corporal. Mr Seddon, after the parade, stated that several members of the unit were absent owing to illness, and it was certain that the unit would be at least 60 strong when there was a full parade.