Not Ready for the Enemy

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5535, 17 February 1914, Page 3

Not Ready for the Enemy

SIR lAN HAMILTON IN MELBOURNE. Melbourne, February 16. A parade of metropolitan troops was called for Saturday in order that General Sir lan Hamilton, InspectorGeneral of the Forces, might inspect them. The General, preferring to see for himself how the men were handled under conditions which were not entirely favourable, arrived on the ground earlier than was expected, and was kept waiting five minutes before the officers were aware that he had arrived. An embarrassing delay in arranging the troops for the salute followed, while the massed oands were so far away that they could hardly be heard. The General expressed himself as pleased with the work of the men and the way they marched past, but said the ceremonial parade gave the reviewing officer a chance of seeing how the officers handled the men. They must not be taken by surprise. The General must be looked upon as an enemy, because he tried to pick fjo|es in everything. They should be ready for him.