MOUNTED RIFLES TREK.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19292, 3 April 1926, Page 11

MOUNTED RIFLES TREK.

MARCH THROUGH THE CITY., AN IMPRESSIVE SPECTACLE. STEADINESS OF MEN AND HORSES The march of tho Auckland Mounted Rifles Regiment from the camp at the Epsom Showground, through tho city on Thursday, was accomplished under auspicious conditions. Promptly to tinio the regiment left camp and, marching via The Drive, Epsom, Gillies Avenue, Mountain Road, Park Road, Grafton Road, and Anzac Avenue, entered Queen Street at 2.30 p.m. Tho march up tho main thoroughfare was impressive. Preceded by tho regimental band the troops, led by Major M. Aldred, marched to the Town Hall, where tho Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon and Colonel-Commandant H. R. Potter, took tho salute, accompanied by the town clerk, Mr. 11. S. Brigham, and Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Diugan, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., general staff officer of the Northern Command. True to the ethics of the Army, the regiment, comprising for tho most part young trainees, went steadily, and emphasised to tho citizons that tho mounted men of tho command wero still a force to be reckoned with. When tho officers of the regiment were giving tho salute 3t tho Town Hall, tho rear of tho regiment was still below Wellesley Street, and the riders, in full equipment, filed past in a manner that left no doubt of the efficiency of the men engaged in training. Tho horses in the main reflected credit on the men who had prepared their mounts for tho camp. Apparently all had been " broken in" to tho concrete pavements and motor traffic, though hero and thero could be noted caracoling steeds that showed breeding above tho ordinary, and consequently required dainty and expert handling. Some of tho mounts on tho other band seemed to be rather under tho standard set for a smart regiment. The latter, of course, may perform better than they look when it comes to a proof of efficiency. On tho whole tho traditions of tho regiment, which helped to make history at Gallipoli and in Palestine, were maintained. Drawn from tho yeomanry of the country, who represent tho vast body of our primary producers, tho mounted men have not foregathered in camp in tho city since the memorable days of 1914, when tho regiment was being trained to take part in tho Great War. That tho traditions of the regiment wero being maintained was exemplified by tho workmanlike manner in which the troops carried out their trek. The camp will conclude with a military tournament, which will bo held at the Showground, Epsom, to-day, commencing at 2 p.m. A fine programme of spectacular mounted events has been prepared, including Lloyd Lindsay and Victoria Cross competitions. These events never fail to interest tho public, and if fine weather prevails there is certain to bo a large number of spectators at the Showground to watch tho mounted men at work. A small charge for admission is being made, and the proceeds will go to provide a regimental fund, to bo devoted to encouraging the maintenance of efficiency in horsemanship.