RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21035, 10 February 1940, Page 9

RECRUITING CAMPAIGN

START IN HAMILTON MEN FOR THIRD ECHELONPARADE THROUGH STREET In an effort to raise 240 men to fill the No. 4 (Hamilton) Military Area quota for the third echelon of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force a recruiting campaign was commenced in Hamilton last night. Units of the National Reserve, Territorials and the Hamilton High School and Hamilton Technical Hign School cadet companies marched down Victoria Street from the Drill Hall accompanied by the Waikato Regimental and Hamilton Municipal Band, the Hamilton Citizens’ Band and the Hamilton Caledonian Band. Traffic was at a standstill as the troops swung along and both sides of the main street were lined with pedestrians who began to congregate at an early hour. It was an impressive display and the units, especially the National Reserve, received applause. Prime Minister’s Appeal In an appeal for recruits Colonel R. D. McFarland said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon M. J. Savage, had asked Hamilton to find the men required for its quota of the third echelon. One echelon had already gone overseas and the second would be leaving New Zealand shortly. The men who had already joined up looked to others eligible to follow their example. If men joined immediately they would have the opportunity of being posted to the unit most suited to them.

Recruiting sergeants were stationed at Garden Place and many enquiries were received and enlistments taken.