Whangarei Attacked by Armed Forces

Northern Advocate, 10 May 1939, Page 3

Whangarei Attacked by Armed Forces

Whangarei was attacked by armed forces today, and heavy fighting took place at Maunu.

The attacking troops, appearing from the direction of Dargaville, were repulsed, but now feverish preparations are being made to cope with another invasion from the direction of Portland, which is anticipated tonight. In all, 400 troops are engaged. Fortunately for Northland and the rest of New Zealand, it was only a mock battle. But it provided-a good test for the efficiency of the First Composite Mounted Rifles, now undergoing annual training at Kensington Park. Three .Squadrons Engaged. The three full squadrons in camp took part in the day’s activities. “B” Squadron, the Waikatos, left camp at about 10 a.m. and took up positions on the Dargaville-Whangarei highway as the attacking force, while at midday “A” and “C” Squadrons, the ; Auckland-East Coast and the North j Auckland units, sallied forth as the de- | fending force, and engaged the enemy I on the property of Colonel J. N. McCarroll and adjacent farmland early in the afternoon.

Tonight the attacking force will approach Whangarei from the direction of Portland, and the remaining squadrons will again be called on to intercept them. With the exception of specialist troops, including Vickers machinegunners and light car personnel, the full strength of the camp, both men and horses, is engaged. Realistic “Battles.” Blank cartridges are being employed to make the “battles” as realistic as possible. The troops will not return to camp until 10 o’clock tonight.

Last night the men attended the screening of a special military film in the Town Hall, for which they marched 450 strong from Kensington Park to the hall.

A big public interest attended the parade, which was provided with both vanguard and rearguard of motorcyclists.

Golf