INSPIRING SCENE
SECOND ECHELON INSPECTED
SPEECH BY MR JORDAN BIG JOB TO DO [U.P.A.—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] (Received 22nd June, 9.5 a.m.) LONDON, 21st June. There was an inspiring scene “somewhere in England” when Mr YV. J. Jordan, New Zealand High Commissioner, inspected the lately arrived New Zealanders as they stood in long, deep ranks on the parade ground against a background of trees. Mr Jordan saw also artillery, engineers, signallers and a medical unit.
The Maoris did not give a war cry but greeted Mr Jordan with a flash of bayonets in a general salute carried out with precision. They then laid down their rifles and sat on the grass in accordance with the traditional custom of listening to a chief. Mr Jordan told them all that they were among friends. “I -remember when other New Zealanders similarly paraded in Britain; they did a job. You have a big job and will do it.” He knew they would play the game and not only maintain the reputation others had established but improve upon it.
“The people of Britain and the rest of the Empire have confidence in you .and are proud of you, as are your own people,” he concluded.
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Bibliographic details
Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 22 June 1940, Page 7
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200INSPIRING SCENE Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 22 June 1940, Page 7
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