Saturday's Parade.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13314, 31 January 1916, Page 4

Saturday's Parade.

ANZAC CLUB OPENED

Palmerston residents came out in. full force on Saturday afternoon to see the parade of the Eangiotu troops on the occasion of their last appearance in town before they leave. There were actually less men on parado than were expected, about 1500 altogether turning out. They presented a line spectacle as the long column wound its way round the Square. Thousands of people lined the route, occasionally cheering the boys as they strode along, but the heat was too great for any special demonstration. On the balconies and from the windows of the business houses people waved the men encouragement. Twice round the Square and then along to the Opera House the column marched. The Camp and Municipal Bauds supplied stirring music.

OPENING OF ANZAC CLUB

At the Opera House the double function of a farewell to the troops and the opening of the Palmerston. North Anzac Club took place. The soldiers were lined up in mass formation before the Opera House. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. J. A. Nash), in officially declaring the club open, detailed the events which had led to the formation of the club. He bade all soldiers welcome ts the club during their stay in Palmerston North and when they came back. He hoped that they would soon have permanent premises, so that the men when they returned from the front could visit the home and use it for their own special benefit. The committee's object in getting the soldiers to come along was to let their mates at the front know that a home existed in Palmerston North to which they would always be welcome when they returned. He felt sure they would acquit, themselves as nobly as those who had already preceded them. New Zealand had taken on a large order when she had promised to give 60,000 men by June next. All would agree that she had done more in proportion to her population than any other colony of the Empire. Lord Kitchener had said, '' I can only do my duty by my country if you do yours by me." These men were doing their duty, as were also those already at the front and those who had handed in their names and were ready to go. He thought the new Eecruiting Board would commence their duties without any great labour before them. Mr. Will Crookes had said, "I would rather see every soul blotted off the face of the earth than live under the Kaiser,'' and most people felt the same way. They all looked and hoped for the day of peace. Since the arrival of the men at Eangiotu the people of the town had done their best tor them. They wanted them to feel that they were going away from Palmerston with the best feelings and wishes of its residents. (Applause.) Mr. Nash then declared the club open. Mr. D. Buick, M.P., also extended a welcome to the men to the Anzac Club. Anzac was a great name, that would always stick to the New Zealanders and Australians. "I wish you God speed and a safe return," concluded Mr. Buick. "May you come back crowned with the laurels, of victory." (Applause.) Mr. C. Loughnan, chairman of the Anzac Club Committee, said he was going to say something pretty strong to the people of Palmerston North. (Laughter.) He felt ashamed of himself and ashamed of the town. They should have had the club here all the time the men were,working at Eangiotu. He apologised and asked the men to forgive them. They called it the Anzac Club, but it was not worthy of the name. The men who had made the name had reached the highwater mark of British valour. "Don't think we are at all proud of this show." said Mr. Loughnan amid laughter. Continuing, he said if some of the New Zealanders had died they died in a great cause. It was a pleasure to die that way. (Laughter.) He would have to die in Palmerston North, and there was no pleasure in dying here. (Laughter.) Therefore he would put it off as long as he could. (Laughter.) We would have something better to offer the men when they came back. "If you fall, you will reach the high-water mark," concluded Mr. Loughnan. '' You could die no greater death. 'There is a tide in the affairs of men which taken at the flood leads on to victory.' That flood is flowing now, flowing to victor}- for our arms." (Applause.) Cheers were then given for the Eangiotu men and the boys at the front In reply the men gave three echoing cheers for the Mayor and people of Palmerston. The troops were then marched down to the Show Grounds and. dismissed, and a large number of them were afterwards entertained at afternoon tea at Fuller's Hail.