NATIONAL RESERVE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15825, 23 January 1915, Page 8

NATIONAL RESERVE.

PARADE AND INSPECTION.

PRAISE FROM OFFICER.

MARCH THROUGH THE STREETS.

"I hare noticed, even during the short time that I have been here, that tvaa; -ver the City of Auckland takes up it does well. This applies to the National Reserve, and the attendance and material which I 6e« before me augurs weLl for the success of the movement," said Colonel J. E. Hume, in addressing the members of the reserve, who paraded at the Drill Hall last night. Between 500 and 600 men were on parade, all ranks being closely inspected by the officer commanding the district, who was accompanied by Colonel G. W. S. Patterson, coast defence commander, Colonel G. A. Ward, commander of the Auckland Mounted Rifle Brigade. Lieutenant-Colonel A. Bartlett, 3rd, Auckland, Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel G. Barclay, North Island Railway Battalion, and other officers.

After his inspection, Colonel Hume briefly addressed the parade. He said that it was the largest parade he had witnessed in Auckland as yet, and would probably be the largest for some time to come. He had with him several officers from various parts of the district, having just concluded a course with them. Many more would, have liked to have been present, onlv they liad had to go away. " I am glad to see such a representative gathering of all branches of the service—infantry, artillery, engineers, and, not least, an ambulance corps," continued the colonel. Ihere has been a noble response to the call, and I should have been very sorry to have missed this parade. Any soldier can see that a great proportion of those on parade are trained men, and I trust that, if we require your services, it will be for some good object. At any rate, we hope to find something for you to do which will be for your good." In conclusion, the colonel said he knew the officers in various parts of the district would do all they could to further the movement. He himself would be pleased to meet the executive and discuss details with them. In that way he hoped to be able to do more for the movement than had been done hitherto. Watching the parade were a number of prominent citizens, representatives <f local bodies, and others. Outside the Drill Hall a large crowd had gathered in anticipation of seeing the men start on their march through the city. Shortly after half-past eight o'clock the reserve— headed by the Onehunga —left the Drill Hall and marched down Queen Street. The steadiness of the men in the ranks and their soldier-like bearing was a lesson to many a company of younger territorials. 1 i.nned to the breasts of many in the ranks were one or more medals, indicating that the wearer was no novice in the art of soldiering. In the principal streets of the city large crowds showed the greatest interest In the march, the reserve having an enthusiastic reception. Colonel Hume and his fellow-officers watched the march from the corner of Wellesley and Queen Streets. The public, having had the opportunity of seeing for themselves what fine material constitutes the reserve, there will doubtless be an increase in the number who desire to join. There were already signs of this last night, many who were watching the proceedings being stimulated to make inquiries as to how to become enrolled in the reserve.