THE FOURTH REINFORCEMENTS.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16361, 19 April 1915, Page 3

THE FOURTH REINFORCEMENTS.

PARADE OF-INFANTRY. SUPPLEMENTARY FORCE TO BE RAISED. (Pes Uhjted Puess Association ) WELLINGTON, April' 18. Tho infantry of the Fourth Reinforcements were paraded on Saturday, and their march through the- city created a considerable amount of interest. Tho mini presented a thoroughly soldierly appearance, and excited favourable comment on all sides. They wore accompanied by three bands and a corps of pipers added triumphant strains on the march.

During tho course of the afternoon official adarenses were made to the whole of the troops. The Prime Minister said ho desired on behalf of his Excellency the Govenor, the Government, and the peoplo to convey best wishes for their welfaro while they were on active service. The Minister of Defence stated that a grievance had been brought under his notice regarding railway fares at Easter, and that grievance would be rectified. He had distributed among the ranks the message of Lord Kitchener to tho Imperial troops, his welcome when they get to Europe, and also somo words of advice from the late Lord Roberts.

The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) afterwards expressed the good wishes of the citizens of tho dominion for tho troops. Afterwards the Rev. J. G. Chapman read a Psalm, Chaplain-major W. SWrer engaged in prayer, and tho Bishop of Wellington pronounced a benediction.

At a subsequent parade of the infantry similar proceedings took place, and in the course of his second address Mr Massoy said that in addition to the ordinary monthly reinforcements tho Imperial Govcrnmtnt 'had notified that it would accept from New Zetland another reinforcement — a military body consisting of a battery of artillery and a column of infantry. The new force will bo established as soon as arrangements can be made.

(FrtOW Oun OWK COP.BESfONDENT.) WELLINGTON, April 18. Tho Defence Minister (Mr J. Allen) informed a reporter to-day that he had all tho infantry required for tho now additional force ready to call up, and that the men would ho called up immediately. The artillery, he >aid. was practically ready.