DOMINION CONTINGENT

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 251, 22 October 1937, Page 9

DOMINION CONTINGENT

CORONATION VISITORS LEADER RETURNS [ Per Press Association. ] AUCKLAND, Oct. 21. “I heard no criticism in England of the uniforms of the New Zealand men, but I can understand the criticisms being made,” said Major Weir, leader of the New Zealand contingent to the Coronation on his return by the Rangitiki. He explained that the New Zealand uniform was essentially a service dress. ‘‘The reason for criticism,” he said, ‘‘is probably the fact that our men were placed in the procession just behind the South Africans, who were in khaki cotton drill, which looks extaordinarily smart, and just ahead of the Australians, whose emu plumes caught the public eye.” He added that the bearing of the New Zealanders on parade, their arms, drill and marching, was the subject of more than favourable comment from people well qualified to judge. ‘‘Our men put up a very good show indeed. I was more than satisfied with them.”

Major Weir remained in England to take a course at the senior officers’ school at Sheerness, Kent. He said that the horse was being replaced by mechanised transport. Tanks could scuttle across the country at 30 miles an hour, all of which called for a higher degree of training than in the past.