BIG PARADE IN WELLINGTON

Southland Times, Issue 23988, 1 December 1939, Page 6

BIG PARADE IN WELLINGTON

MILITARY RESERVISTS . REVIEWED CROWDS WATCH MARCHING IN HEAVY RAIN (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, November 30. Between 800 and 1000 members of the Wellington group of the National Military Reserve Class II paraded in the city tonight and were reviewed and addressed by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). It was the first time since the formation of the reserve that the group had paraded as a complete unit and much interest was Qroused. Wearing mufti with armlets and medals the men, under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel D. Dobson, assembled behind Parliament Buildings. From there they marched down Molesworth street, past the War Memorial, where the Minister took the salute, and through the' city. The parade was headed by the Police Pipe Band and was played past the saluting base by the band of the First Battalion Wellington Regiment (City of Wellington’s Own). In spite of the heavy rain which fell throughout the parade, the march through the city was watched by many people and there was much favourable comment on its size.

Mr Jones said he had not expected to see half so many on such a wet night. It showed a wonderful spirit. He expressed the thanks of the Prime Minister and the Government for the way in which returned soldiers had responded to the appeal for men for the reserve. They had provided a splendid example. GUARDING VITAL POINTS Since the outbreak of war a large number of reservists had been absorbed into the forces for home defence and many were now engaged in guarding vital points and in coast-watching duties. A number had been selected for the special force and many others had volunteered to serve overseas. He knew many had been disappointed, but age and disabilities had been factors against their acceptance for overseas service.

It was impossible to say to what extent the services of the reserve would be used, but it gave the Government great satisfaction to know it had in training a body of men who had experience of war and who were ready and willing to meet any emergency. He hoped such an emergency would not arise.

It would be recalled, said Mr Jones, that early in the Great War, many people thought the conflict would not last for more than six months. Similarly many seemed to think the present war would not last long. Unfortunately such ideas were not supported by the events that were occurring and it might be another long war. How long it would last he did not know, but he believed that with the spirit which animated the British forces throughout the Empire, there could be no doubt as to the issue.