LONDON WELCOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22726, 12 May 1937, Page 8

LONDON WELCOME

NEWi ZEALAND TROOPS CORONATION CONTINGENT OVATION DURING MARCH [FROM OTTR OWN CORRESPONDENT] ' LONDON, April 24 . All the way from St. Paneras station, where the boat train arrived, to Wellington Barracks, the New Zealand Coronation Contingent occasioned great interest and the members enjoyed a most enthusiastic reception. Seldom,' indeed, have visitors received so genuine and warm a welcome. When the 50 khaki-clad troops stepped out of the boat train hundreds of people broke into a terrific cheer. It was one of those spontaneous cheers which will be remembered for many a day, and the cheers accompanied them all the way. Headed by the band and drums of the Grenadier Guards, the men marched to St. James' Park, by way of Euston Road, Woburn Place, Southampton Row, Kingsway, Aldwych, Strand, Charing Cross, Admiralty Arch, Mall, Horse Guards' Parade, and Birdcage Walk. Mr. W. J- Jordan, High Commissioner for New Zealand, and Mrs. Jordan, War Office representatives and about 200 New Zealanders met the contingent at the station. In his speech of welcome Mr. Jordan welcomed thp contingent. "Your arrival is different from the time when you came during the war," he said. "There will be no fire step, no over-the-top, no Machonochie, no bully beef, no barrage, and no snipers. The troops will all meet many visitors from all over the Kmpire. If we, at our office, can do anything further to make your stay pleasant we will be happy to do so. Mrs. Jordan joins with me in the heartiest of welcomes." Three cheers were given for the men and they gave three cheers for the High Commissioner. Mr. and Mrs., Jordan and Mrs. Nash drove back to New Zealand House and were- ready to see the men march bv. The High Commissioner took the salute from thn balcony, which was well beflagged with the New Zealand Colours. With him were Mrs. Jordan, Mrs. Nash and Mrs. Hanan. The windows were all occupied by New Zealand visitors. As the contingent passed the men turned eyes right. After fulfilling a luncheon engagement, where he had to speak, Mr. Jordan drove to Wellington Barracks and found the men were finishing their, dinner. "I received you this morning as High Commissioner," he said. "I come now to give you greetings as an old Digger myself."

During the march from the barracks to Waterloo station, en route for Pirhriglit Camp, the enthusiasm was as hearty as it had been in the morning.