N.Z. Foresters March Down Broadway

Northern Advocate, 2 October 1943, Page 5

N.Z. Foresters March Down Broadway

(Rec. 3 p.m.) NEW YORK, Oct. 1. Tens of thousands of cheering New Yorkers, ignoring the downpour, lined Broadway as 600 New Zealand and Australian forestry -troops marched to the City Hall, where the mayor (Mr La Guardia) welcomed them.

It was the first time in 25 years that New Zealand and Australian soldiers had marched in New York. They created a deeep impression as, moving like one man. they traversed Broadway's canyon of skyscrapers. Several weeks’ training with a Guards regiment while in England was clearly reflected in the perfect marching. The foresters were escorted by mounted police led by a crack military police band.

At the City Hall the salute was taken by Lieut.-General Sturdee, alongside whom were Mr La Guardia, the New Zealand Charge d’Affaires (Mr Geoffrey Cox), the Australian Ambassador, the British Consul-General, Sii Godfrey Haggard, and American generals and admirals. An' Unusual Sight

Six hundred New Zealand and Australian Forestry troops attracted wide attention today when they were driven in open trucks through the streets to a large drill hall, where they were entertained at lunch. New Yorkers were very interested in the New Zealand pointed hats and Australian slouch hats, which are the first seen m New York during the present war.' Troops range from men in the early twenties to others who served in the Great War and have sons fighting in New Guhiea and elsewhere.

All said they were very glad to be returning and hoped they v/ould get " into action against the Japanese soon. The men faced a barrage of newspaper photographers end later a small, representative group, including Major Austin, Sergeant Burt (both of Rotorua) and Sapper Seymour (Christchurch) told the Press some of their/ experiences in England and Scotland, where all have been since'the middle , of 1940, engaged in forestry work, such as the felling and preparing of timber for British defence works.

Over 200 Marriages

The troops established all-time C records for forestry production. The U men said that 85 New Zealanders and v 120 Australians had. married English and Scottish girls. They would not-Y see their wives until after the v war, . because:. “Wives were very lav/ oh; the//; priority list.” " // /f ’ /'ii The Australians ’and New Zealand-YJf ers were later entertained at.the.Yam-Sl kce Baseball Stadium, where theyixnefclg the players in a game between Yankees and Chicago Whitesox., Many-): entertainments were planned/fcyi 4 the troops/before the streets tomorrow.