THIRD ECHELON

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21191, 14 August 1940, Page 9

THIRD ECHELON

PARADE IN CITY NO LEAVE AFTER LUNCH OPEN CAMPS ON SUNDAY (By TelegTaph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Tuesday Arrangements for the parade of the Third Echelon on Saturday are similar in all respects to those for the Second Echelon, with the exception that after the march through the city from the Domain to the wharf sheds the troops will go direct to the railway station after lunch. The salute at the Domain will be taken by Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, N.Z.S.C., officer commanding the Northern Military District. Later, as the battalions march past the Town Hall the salute will be taken jointly by the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, and Colonel Weir. Important to next-of-kin and friends is the fact that after the troops have had lunch on the wharf no leave will be granted. After a short “smoko” the battalions will march direct to the railway station to entrain for Ngaruawahia and Papakura camps. Opportunity On Sunday The public will not be allowed on the railway platforms. On the arrangements as explained this afternoon it appears that relatives and friends will have no opportunity of speaking to the men at any stage of the parade. However, to compensate for this the camps will be open to the public all day on Sunday. Lunch will be served in No. 17 shed, Central Wharf, by women of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Society. The public will not be allowed in the wharf shed during luncheon. The train for Ngaruawahia will leave at 2 p.m., followed by three trains for Papakura, the first leaving at 2.10, and the others at ten-minute intervals. Troops will be drawn up on parade at 11 a.m., on the Domain cricket ground, with the Papakura camp band and other bands. Afterward, the march to the waterfront will be by way of Grafton Bridge and Queen Street. Wet weather arrangements provide for the parade being held in the Town Hall. In this case, only official guests and next-of-kin can be admitted. When the Second Echelon paraded some months ago leave was granted to all ranks after luncheon, and the city was full of soldiers throughout the afternoon and early evening. However, some difficulties were experienced in reforming the parade after dark, and it has been decided on this occasion that leave cannot be granted.