MARCHING ORDERS.

Wanganui Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14219, 17 February 1914, Page 5

MARCHING ORDERS.

FOR 7FH REGIMENT HEADQUARTER STAFF. “TO PALMERSTON N. IMMEDIATELY.” GENERAL GODLEY’S DECISION. A good deal of indignation wag expressed in Wanganui a few weeks ago when it was announced that General Qodley, on his return from England, had ordered the removal of the headquarters of the 7th Regiment, together with the whole of the staff, to Palmerston North. The matter was at once taken up on behalf of the town by the Mayor (Mr T. B. Williams), the Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce (Mr A. Burnett), and Mr W. Veitch, M.P., and they despatched a protest to the Minister of Defence, pointing out the evident unfairness and disadvantages to the Regiment of the proposed transfer. Confidential correspondence passed between the Member for the District and the Minister for some time, and it was generally thought that the decision to deprive - Wanganui of so old an established institution, was to be revoked. All calculations have, however, been upset by a wire which was received by the staff yesterday afternoon notifying them to “transfer headquarters of Regiment to Palmerston North immediately.’’ The Adjutant, Lieut. Piper, leaves for Palmerston to-morrow to arrange office accommodation, and it is expected that the whole staff and equipment will bs shifted down next week. "VERY MUCH SURPRISED.” STATEMENT BY MR. W. A. VEITCH, M.P. “I am very surprised at the sudden notification to shift,’’ stated Mr W. A. Veitcb, M.P., this afternoon when asked by a “Herald’’ representative if be had any observations on the matter. He stated that the surprise was more marked in vie# of the correspondence on the matter which had passed between him and the Department. Ho had not yet been conduced, he said, that Wanganui was not the best place for the Regimental headquarters, but it was quite apparent that a.I along the Department were determined to make the change, irrespective of what might be urged against it. It appeared that all argument with them was unavailing. Questioned as to the probability of further steps being taken, Mr Vcitch said that bo did not think anything further iu the matter could be done at present..