HUMOURS OF PARADE.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11415, 19 December 1917, Page 7

HUMOURS OF PARADE.

“Priv-te 1171,” in the current issue of the Millgate Montlily recounts some of his experiences as a member of His Majesty’s VoL unteer Forces. Generally speaking, what the drill instructor had to say could have been said in th e d awing-room; but now and again ho would wo ■ve into his orders words which in family newspapers are usually indicated by means of dots «ud dashes. For instance, he would say: “Good . Look-at that man; he’s trying to climb up his rifle!” ell the other men would immediately turn their eyes in the direction of the unfortunate victim, and instantly regret it, for they would have, metaphorically speaking. boiling pitch- ppured over their heads for not looking to th eir fronts ! _ Another time it was: For inspection, ‘Port arms.’ ” ‘‘Well, I never did,” said the instructor; you do look a lot of beauties. Here, you, what do you think you are doing? Serenading your- best girl W Later drill instructor would exclaim: “I knew it—l knew sooner or later, I should find ‘Charlie’ on parade! For heaven s sake, . man, turn your toes out as vou must have been taught to do months ago. ” Finally I would come a comment which generally took the following form“ When I was drilling proper soldiers I used to go to the Empire or the pictures occasionally, but there is no need to do that now. 1 can get all the fun I want at a much cheaper rate here. ’ ’ ______