NEW COLOUR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22392, 13 April 1936, Page 12

NEW COLOUR

MILITARY CEREMONY LORD GALWAY ATTENDS MOUNTED RIFLE REGIMENT [liY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] BLENHEIM. Sunday The new regimental colour or guidon of the Nelson-Marlborough Mounted Hifles was the centre of an impressive military ceremonial at the annual camp of the regiment at Woodbourne Estate, near Blenheim, this afternoon, when it was consecrated and presented, with the traditional forms and pageantry symbolising its gallant traditions and the battle honours of the regiment, which was first formed as the Marlborough Hussars in 1880. The new colour constitutes a memorial to the members of the unit who died on active service in tho South African War and the Great War. It was mado in England and cost £l2O. The guidon, a beautifully-embroidered example of heraldic art, replaces the old colour received by the regiment at tin; time.of the South African War.

In glorious weather and in the presence of a large crowd, the guidon was consecrated by tho Bishop of Nelson, \ after which it was presented by the Governor-General, Viscount Galwa.y, who made a special trip to Blenheim by aeroplane to perform the ceremony, j It was mentioned by His Excellency that the occasion coincided with the date of his landing in New Zealand. Addressing the troops, Lord Galway said that those who were preparing themselves by military training against the time they might be required were giving valuable service to the Empire. Some said the day of cavalry was over, but he did not entirely agree, as the cavalry spirit of alert efficiency and ability tft seize opportunities would bo needed as the weapons of modern warfare were developed. The regiment, which is composed principally of Marlborough men, is giving a lead to other mounted units in acquiring new colours, as it is understood that the Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry and the Otago Mounted Rifles will receive new guidons next year.