Troops Parade at Wellington

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 307, 16 December 1940, Page 8

Troops Parade at Wellington

LARGEST ASSEMBLY SINCE WAR BEGAN Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Dec 14. A parade of troops from Trentham Mobolisation Camp brought all Wellington into the streets this morning. It was hot and sultry after heavy overnight rain. The march suffered from a paucity of band mnric, bnt the men were a soldierly lot and the spectators were greatly impressed thereby. People assembled mostly along the route of the march, and at the scene of the parade Itself, at Parliament House the numbers were somewhat thin Representatives of the State, Army, Navy and Air Force were prerent and the Allied Consuls and Rcpresentativer of Empire countries. In his address, the Governor* General, Viscount Galway, said there was no doubt that we had turned the cor, nerand were making progress towards the victory of right over wrong. We were thrilled to read of the deeds being accomplished in the Western desert in Egypt, where the first echelon and others’ of the New Zealand forces were no doubt taking their full share. Lord Galway also referred to the success being achieved by Greek arms. The only way victory could be achieved was by striking hard blows wherever we could. “We are all linked together in this great war effort of crushing our • pponents,” he said. “It is that effoi't which has been concentrated and co-ordinated to bring the full weight of England’s might against those unscrupulous people who have plunged the world into so much suffering and misery.” “We thank you on behalf of the Government. Parliament and the people of New Zealand for the readiness with which you came forward to serve your country and for your application to your various military duties,” said the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser. He congratulated the troops on the standard of efficiency they had attained. New Zealanders were ploying their part overseas, and in New Zealand young men were training in the Territorial Force, while other were offering their service in the Home Guard and Military Reserve, Everything would be done to sec that the shores of the country were defended, and plans had already been made to ensure that those serving overseas would be able to come home to find their privileges and benefits safeguarded, so that they could take up civilian life again with a reasonable opportunity of enjoying the victory to which they had contributed. On behalf of the country, he thanked all for what they were contributing towards the cause of freedom and liberty. Speeches were also made by the mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, and Mr Cowles, representing the Returned Soldiers' Association. Before the troops moved off on th* march, the Vicar-General of the Arch Diocese, the Rt. Rev. Monsignor T. F. Connolly, offered prayers and pronounced the benediction. Associated with the parade were the territorials and units of the Wellington area, and the procession of troops was the longest in Wellington during this war. The bands were the Trentham Camp band, the band of the First Battalion of the Wellington Regiment and the pipes and drums of that regiment, the band and drums of that Field Regiment, N. Z. A, and the Trentham Heavy Regiment Band. INSPIRING SPECTACLE AT CHRISTCHURCH Per Press Association. CHRISTCHURCH, Dec. 14. An impressive military spectacle was witnessed in Christchurch to-day when tho Burnham trained units of the Expeditionary Force, Territorials and National Reserve paraded for a public ceremony in their honour in Oranmer Square. Iu the march past at the conclusion of the ceremony the men presented an excellent bearing and showed generally a high standard of physique which drew appreciation from the crowds at Craumer Square and lining the route of the march through the city. Hon. W. Lee Martin, uddressing tne men on behalf of the Government, said the inspiring news of the victories gained by their comrades over the Italians in tho Western Desert would be stimulant to the men in New Zealand and make them eager to join their friends. The Minister said there was a grim struggle ahead but he was confident the Allies would win because their cause was just. The New Zealanders would play their part in the achievement of victory in a fashion conforming to the traditions of the Dominion’s fighting men. Hon. A. Hamilton also addressed the men, saying New Zealand was staying in tho war till victory was AUCKLAND’S BIGGEST PARADE Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, De-. 14. The biggest military parade ever held in Auckland took place ’-3-day when over 4000 men and women in uniform assembled in the Domain prior to a march through the city. The streets were lined with citizens who gave a hearty ovation along the route. Nine bands led the troops. The parade included reinforcements training in t li-o Auckland district, nurses, Territorials battalions, fortress troops, tho Home Guard, the Women's National Service Corps, the R.S.A., and ex-service women. At the Domain congratulatory speeches were delivered by Hon. D. G. Sullivan, representing the Government, Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, of tho War Cabinet, Sir Ernest Davis (Mayor) and Brigadier Bell, officer commanding the district.

Mr. Coates took occasion to warn the citizens of the Dominion of posible danger, stating that in his opinion the homo defence forces were

Before the parade moved off from the Domain Auckland’s recent drought broke and the men marched through heavy showers which eased off as the parade proceeded down Queen Street. The salute was taken at the Town Hall by Brigadier Bell. The soldiers were enthusiastically acclaimed throughout the march.