TROOPS FAREWELLED

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21036, 12 February 1940, Page 6

TROOPS FAREWELLED

I ARTILLERY UNITS GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S PRAISE j l PARADE AT HOPU HOPU CAMP About 1000 troops of the artillery units of the second echelon of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force were farewelled by the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, when he visited the Hopu Hopu military camp today to inspect the men. He was attended by Captain Lord Dormer, A.D.C., and during the parade he was accompanied by Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, officer commanding the Northern Military District. Although but a month has passed since the second echelon commenced their wartime training at Hopu Hopu, the men of the artillery have been converted into 'fell turned-out troops. They were drawn from all walks of life and the majority of them had no previous military experience. Now they appreciate fully the fundamental principles of military training. The main tasks of artillery troops are far removed from those of the infantry, whose training calls for a great deal of marching, but the artillery demonstrated today that they could rival their fellow troops when on parade. Their performance was admirable. His Excellency, during his message to the men, expressed pleasure at the showing of the soldiers. Every Rank Inspected The parade was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel R. E. Sleigh, officer commanding the sth Field Regiment of the New Zealand Artillery. Other regiments on parade were the 6th Field Regiment, New Zealand Artillery, commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel C. E. Weir, j R.N.Z.A.. and the 7th Anti-Tank ! Regiment, .commanded by Major R. C. Queree, R.N.Z.A. Upon the arrival of His Excellency, - the general salute was given and then the official party, accompanied by officers of the batteries on parade, inspected the troops. The GovernorGeneral marched along every rank. In the march past, which followed, His Excellency took the salute and after the troops had marched in review order he took the Royal salute before addressing the men. He congratulated the artillery troops upon their fine performance on parade and upon their progress during training, of which he had received excellent reports. Best Wishes To The Men His Excellency extended his best wishes to the men who, he said, were about to proceed overseas to join the men who had preceded them. “You are entrusted with the traditions of the New Zealand Division of 191418. Those are high, and I know you will maintain them and add lustre to their great achievements of the past,” he said. In conclusion, His Excellency congratulated the men upon being volunteers and expressed his good i wishes and the hope that the war would not be prolonged so that they might soon return heme to receive the good wishes of the people of New Zealand.

The Governor-General and Captain Lord Dormer left later for Hamilton.