KING’S DAY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 132, 7 June 1938, Page 8

KING’S DAY

PARADE IN WELLINGTON FIRST FOR TWENTY-FOUR YEARS

APPEAL FOR VOLUNTEERS BROADCAST

[ Per Frfc.3 Association. I WELLINGTON, June 6. The first King’s Day parade in Wellington since 1914 was held in fine weather to-day. Thousands of spectators gathered to see the march past in spite of the cold southerly, which was compensated by bright sunshine. About 1900 officers and other ranks paraded and there was a good display of mechanised units. The parade formed on the Aotea breastwork, where the forces were inspected by the Chief of the General Staff. Major-General J. E. Duigan, C. 8.. D. 5.0.. who was accompanied by Captain B. D. Oliver, representing the navy, and Wing-Commander L. M. Isitt. representing the air force. At 10 a.m. the Chief of the General Staff called the parade to attention for the Royal Salute of 21 guns fired from Point Jerningham, and three cheers were given by the troops. Major-General Duigan then took the march past and the parade, which consisted of anti-aircraft guns, searchlights, field guns, howitzers, motorcycle platoon, four companies of the H.M.V.R. (an excellent turnout), coast artillery from Fort Dorset, engineers. signallers, A.S.C.. medical corps. Royal New Zealand Air Force with the band of the Wellington Squadron of the Air Force, and a very large party of college cadets. The march was through the city by way of the Citizens’War Memorial, v. here a guard of returned soldiers lined the square. After the salute of the memorial, the parade passed on to the Town Hall, where the Mayor. Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, took the salute on behalf of the city. lie spoke over the air for a few minutes afterwards, appealing to the genera! public to support the volunteer enlistment system. “If we are not prepared to protect our country,” he said, “we will lose it.” While tke parade was in progress, j those who were broadcasting a de-1 scription announced that another j anti-aircraft battery was to be] formed for the defence of Wellington, I and recruits to man it would be en- j listed almost immediately. Four young men carrying pacifist posters marched through the city behind the parade, handing out dodgers Io the effect that moral issues could rot be decided by preparation for war. A spectacular military and air force review by Viscount Galway and the hardest frost of the year, 13.5 degrees. were highlights of the King s Dav in Christchurch. More than 2000 troops, including all mechanised units, marched past. ATTRACTIONS AT DUNEDIN [ Per P.ess Association.] DUNEDIN, June 6. There was a wide variety of attractions in Dunedin for the Kings Birthday but nothing of a military nature. The weather was fine and a large crowd attended the Dunedin Jockey Club’s races at Wingatui.