4000 ON PARADE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23840, 16 December 1940, Page 9

4000 ON PARADE

ASSEMBLY at domain IMPRESSIVE MARCH ENTHUSIASM OF CROWDS Impressive as an achievement of patriotism and military strength, the ceremonial review in the Domain and subsequent march of troops through crowded streets in the city on Saturday morning was the largest parade ever held in Auckland. Over 4000 men participated, and at one stage the gleam of bayonets could he seen along almost the whole length of Queen Street. Tiittle wonder that the public was stirred by the spectacle, the enthusiasm being remarkable. By its cheers and clapping, the public acknowledged the pride felt in the jnen. They marched with a rhythm and bearing that had the hallmark of sustained training. Second Line of Defence Emphatic-' as was the expression of the public's appreciation of the more fidh'-trained units, this did not overshadow to any great extent the delight aroused at the calibre of the home defence forces. The crowds were clearly surprised at what had been done in creating the second line of defence. They acclaimed the men who stand on duty at the forts, and other members ot tl.e Territorials now in intensive training or who have carried out such duty. Particularly enthusiastic were the cheers drawn by the workmanlike appearance and steadiness of the veterans of the National Military Reserve Battalion/and also by the khaki-clad members of the Women's National Service Corps, who marched with a swing in their first public parade. Spectacle at Domain The natural advantages of the Domain as a place for military spectacle were never more pronounced when in brilliant sunshine the troops marched on to the cricket ground and drew up in serried ranks. In the pavilion were friends and relatives, and people clustered under the shade of the oak trees on the slopes in colourful masses. Territorials arrived on the scene from tlio hospital end to the strains of bands. As each unit appeared, applause was generous and spontaneous. The Territorials comprised members of the 9th Heavy Regiment. Ist Field Regiment, 38th Battery, 7th Medium Battery (A Troop), all New Zealand Artillery; Ist Field Company and 22nd Field Company, New Zealand Engineers; Ist Signal Company; Ist Battalion, National Reserve; Ist Battalion. Auckland Regiment, ami District Schools of the 2nd and 3rd Battalions, Auckland Regiment.

There was much applause when the National ...Military Reserve Battalion swung into position over the ground, and when the "parade of the Returned Soldiers' Association, with Great War nurses, took its place, there was further acclaim. Women of the National Service Corps took station on the left of the stand. Clockwork Precision Territorials were in position before the men from camp, wearing battle j dress, came into view from over the rise near the War [Memorial .Museum building. They had marched from the railway station, and a delay to the Main Trunk express had held up their trains. They moved over the ground in simioiis column, arms swinging forward. with clockwork precision. "There'll Always Be an England" and "Roll Out the Barrel," tunes that will forever be associated with the war, came froth the bands, and applause rolled oyer the grounds as the columns turned in front of the Territorials and faced the stand. Last to arrive, but marching in a way that stirred veterans of the last war, was a company of non-commis-sioned officers in training, who took position to the right of the second line. Brigadier's Arrival Lieutenant-Colonel G. S. White, Y.D., N.Z.T.S., commandant of Papakura camp, was in command of the whole parade, and at his voice over the loud-speaker rifles swung in unison, bayonets flashed, and the long ranks presented arms. Again a command, and onc-e more the rifles moved together, and the crowds applauded the precision of the movements. The salute announced the arrival on the dais of the officer commanding the northern military. district, Brigadier I'. H. Bell, D.5.0., N.Z.S.C., a member of the War Cabinet, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, the Minister of Supply, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, and the Mayor of Auckland, Sir Ernest Davis. When the official speeches had finished, the troops began to move off for their march through the city. Tip to then the sun had filled the scene, but black clouds came over and distant thunder rumbled. Salute at Town Hall Heavy rain swept the domain, but before the last of the troops had left it had eased, and as the march progressed the weather cleared. The route was past the hospital, over Grafton Bridge, along Rarangahape Road and down Queen Street. At the Town Hall the salute was taken by Brigadier Bell and the Mayor. At Customs Street the men from camp turned toward -the railway station, but the territorials moved to their places of dismissal in Quay Street. In spite of the sudden downpour, the crowds appeared denser than on previous occasions, and streamers shot from high windows and settled over the ranks of the troops. Auckland's response "on Saturday was wholehearted.