TO-DAY’S DISPLAY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 3 July 1943, Page 2

TO-DAY’S DISPLAY

PROCESSION THROUGH CITY STREETS DEMONSTRATION BY MECHANISED UNITS LARGE CROWDS ASSEMBLE The city streets were thronged by large crowds this morning to watch the parade of Army, Air Force and Home Guard personnel and a demonstration by mechanised Army units. The display was arranged in connection with the Third Liberty Loan campaign. At 10.30 o’clock the parade moved off from the Post Office and up Trafalgar street, past the saluting base where the salute was taken by the Mayor of Nelson (Mr E. R. Neale). Also on the platform were Lieut.Colonel C. E. Butcher, acting-Area Commander, Squadron-Leader Manhire R.N.Z.A.F., representatives of the Navy, the Town Clerk (Mr F. Mitchell), and Mr C. Milner, chairman of the Nelson Liberty Loan Committee.

The procession was led by the mechanised detachments Dingo scout cars, scout cars, Bren carriers, Stuart tanks, 25 pounders and Quads, 18 pounders and scout cars, Bofors A.A. gun, and tractor, battery slave and the mobile workshop. The vehicles continued at a steady pace past the saluting base and then wheeled right and proceeded down Hardy street, via Waimea street to their original assembly point in Halifax street.

The dismounted section of the parade was led by the band of the Ist Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment, which was followed by the Nelson Battalion Home Guard, First Cadet Battalion, Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast Regiment (Nelson College), the Nelson Pipe Band, R.N.Z.A.F. and W.A.A.F. units On reaching the platform each unit saluted and wheeled left up Hardy street, moved down Collingwood street and returned to the Post Office

On reaching the saluting base, the Regimental Band wheeled and halted facing the dais and continued playing until the last unit had marched past. At 11.15 o’clock, the march was repeated. The mechanised units on this occasion returned to the Church Steps via Waimea, Nile and Church streets and the dismounted personnel were brought into line along Trafalgar street. MAYOR ADDRESSES CROWDS Addressing the crowds the Mayor, Mr E. R. Neale, said that it had been a great parade and, many would never forget the day, but he reminded the people that it was not arranged merely as a spectacle or a holiday, but as a part of a campaign to bring home the necessity for everybody getting behind the Third Liberty Loan. It would only be by an accumulation of small amounts that Nelson would reach its objective. Nelson was in the proud position up to yesterday of leading the whole Dominion in the percentage of its quota already raised. If everyone supported it Nelson might be able to announce on Monday that it had raised its share. Mr A. H. Crawley also spoke, urging the public to support the loan in every way possible. GUNS IN “ACTION” The tanks, carriers, and other mechanised units, advancing two abreast along Trafalgar street looked capable of grim and relentless action. Dingos, White scout cars, Bren carriers, Stuart tanks, 25 pounders and quads came clattering powerfully down the street to take up their “action stations.” The two Dingo scout cars were first upon the scene and showed their capabilities as they proceeded at a good speed, returning along the route, equally quickly, in reverse. The larger White scout cars, Bren carriers and tanks followed in order. Two 25 pound field guns with gun limbers, drawn by quads, halted in front of Buxtons and the crews speedily prepared for action. In about three minutes the guns were in readiness and the first “shot” was fired. Many people, unprepared for this touch of realism Were startled by the noise. Before the smoke had wafted from the guns children, among the crowd swarmed eagerly on to the street to gather a souvenir from the scraps of the blank charge which were scattered about.

The Bofors anti-aircraft gun took up a position outside the Ritz and it ioo was quickly made ready for action its crew, the whole procedure of setting up the gun, getting the range of <n imaginary aircraft and preparing ’to fire taking just under two minutes. ’ After the demonstration the guns and other units of the mechanised unit were drawn up in Trafalgar street where the public took full advantage of the opportunity to inspect them.

During the parade six fighter training aircraft flew low over the city in close formation.

In return for buying a £1 bond a message could be written to a relative or friend serving overseas and affixed to the leg of an Army pigeon. The pigeon was then released and a guarantee made that after the message had been received at some Army station it would be delivered.

The St. John Ambulance Brigade were on duty and quickly attended i lady who fainted.