RAROTONGAN TROOPS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10206, 17 February 1919, Page 4

RAROTONGAN TROOPS

* CHURCH PARADE IN THE CiTx. The city witnessed a fine sight yesterday morning, as the Rarotongan troops, headed by the Salvation Army Band marclied. rrom the whari alons the main streets to the Vivian streeu Citadel. 1 Large crowds thronged the footpaths. Captain Bush,was in command. , The Citadel was crowded, Seated on the platform were Sir James Alien (Minister for Defence), Major-General Robin (Commandant of the New Zealand Forces), Surgeon-General Henderson. Captain Bush, and others. The service wa v j conducted by Chaplain Barton, assisted by Commandant Holmes and two Rarotong'ans. The hymns were very heartily sung from the Salvation Army Military Songbook, and responsive Scriptural readings from the samo source wore used. One of the Rarotongans read a Scripture in his own language, and another acted as interpreter for the speakers. The congregation was treated to a splendidly sung hymn by the visitors. Chaplain Burton aave a short address of counsel and welcome, and was followed by Sir James Allen, who, in. the first place, welcomed the men back from the scenes of their campaign. He was glad to .know they had played their part weil. He conveyed the sympathy of the New Zealand Government to the relatives oi those of their company who had made the supreme sacrifice, and he hoped a fitting memorial would be erected in the Islands represented. He took the opportunity of assuring Captain Bush and the men that he, as Minister for Defence, had not believed a report reflecting on the conduct of the men. It had been proved quite untrue. He promised New Zealand's best interest and help in the- development of the home lands. He was glad to know that their sheet-anchor was faith in Jesus Christ, and that was the hope for the future. After the service the men were formed up in Vivian street for inspection, . and then took dinner at the Salvation Army Soldiers' Hostel, provided by the organisation.