SOLDIERS ENTERTAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIII, Issue 24, 28 December 1942, Page 4

SOLDIERS ENTERTAIN

AT GARDEN PARTY. Yesterday the officers, n.c.o.’s, .and men of the Ist Battalion, Taranaki Regiment, which has proud battle honours in this and the Great War, were the hosts to women’s organisations of Palmerston North at a delightful function held at tlicir camp, I which is set in beautiful surround- ! ings. The organisation which have taken a prominent part in giving entertainment to the soldiers were largely represented. Lieut.-Colonel T. T. Murray, M.C., M.M., and the | officers, n.c.o.’s and men were most assiduous hosts and obviously were S delighted in showing their guests their camp and giving an insight into the training that is being carried on. Squad drill, demonstrations of mortars, anti-tank rifles, Vickers machinegun, the Bren gun, and the Thompson sub-machine-gun were gladly given and greatly appreciated, while the field telephone service was available for those who wished to have a few words with the operators. Similarly, the field radio was a source of keen interest. In the modern army mechanised equipment has a tremendous part and many people saw for the first time mortar and Bren gun carriers. Some had a delightful five minutes when they were kindly taken for a ride in one of the Bren carriers, realising that though they were traversing rough ground and surmounting obstacles which would cause dismay in other vehicles the war machines did their work smoothly and with little inconvenience to the occupants. The cook houses, the mess rooms, men’s showers, and chapel were among other places of interest that passed the time all too quickly. The men provided afternoon tea for their guests and the Regimental Band which has won high praise was heard j in selections which were admirably rendered under the conductor, Sergeant C. Martin.