GUARDSMEN PARADE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 137, 12 May 1941, Page 5

GUARDSMEN PARADE

FEILDING SUB-AREA’S STRENGTH Almost 800 men took part- in the mass parade of guardsmen from the Feilding Sub-Area at the racecourse on Saturday afternoon, when the units from the country areas joined forces with the Feilding Battalion for the first time in a parade which commenced at 1 o’clock on the spacious ground which had been marked out beforehand in readiness lor the accommodation of a huge display of the Home Guard strength in Feilding and surrounding district. Guardsmen from Feilding, Malcombe, Waituna, Kowa, Beaconsiield, Cheltenham, Colyton, Kiwitea, Kimboltou, Apiti. and itangiwahia were present and the country representatives arrived by car and motor-lorrv to take part. Drill, ceremonial manoeuvres, and a route march constituted the programme. Captain C. 13. McClure, Df.C.. took tile salute from a base established in front of the main grandstand. The movements were carried out in splendid fashion and the spectators were unanimous in their praise of the excellent manner in which the Guardsmen acquitted themselves. The parade was provided with music supplied by the Feilding Municipal Band (all the members of which arc guardsmen). A Company headed by I Battalion-Commander T. K. Hay led in the march past in column of route| and tin's was followed by the units taking up their positions for review. The brigade then marched past in column of platoons, the commanders guiding their units with full confid- | ence and precision. Finally, a route march through the town via Warwick, Fcrgusson and Manchester Streets, and Kimboltou Road was held with the hand leading. The parade was dismissed when the racecourse was reached and refreshments were provided by a band of 411 ladies representing the Patriotic Society, W.W.S.A., Women’s Institutes, the Colyton Patriotic Committee, and many other helpers from various or- ( ganisatinns under the control of Mrs ■ A. C. McCorkindalc. The men were enthusiastic in their appreciation of > the action of the ladies in providing . tea.

At the conclusion of the parade Captain McClure conferred with the unit commanders and intimated that plans were being prepared for all day manoeuvres to he held shortly. Mr 1. L. Seddon (chairman of the district Homo Guard Committee) offered Ids' congratulations to the guardsmen and their commanders on the splendid effort, stating that the parade was most impressive and, lie deeply appreciated the co-operation given by the country units, whose strength and marching were most commendable.