ON PARADE

Camp News (Northern Command), Volume 1, Issue 29, 15 November 1940, Page 2

ON PARADE

TROOPS IMPRESS

MR. NASH INSPECTS THE TROOPS

CAMP AT NGARUAWAHIA

(Courtesy “Auckland Star”)

Marching with the effortless precision of well-oiled machines, 1300 troops in full battle dress took part in the ceremonial parade held at Ngaruawahia Camp on November 6th, when they were inspected by Colonel P. H. Bell, D. 5.0., Brigadier of the Northern Command, who was accompanied by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, and an official party. The parade was under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel J. B. Mawson and was made up of the 30th Rifle Battalion and its reinforcements, comprising the Eighth Brigade, and the Maori Battalion Reinforcements, the latter being under the control of Lieutenant Godfrey Stanton. Major F. W. Voelcker, M.C., commanded the Eighth Brigade. In spite of bad weather over-night, the parade ground of the tented township was in excellent condition and the picturesque setting of the camp with the bush-clad hills in the background added to a spectacle that was strikingly impressive. A moderate wind which fluttered the Union Jack alongside the official dais did ont interfere with the comfort of either troops or visitors, though immediately the parade ended there was a heavy fall of rain. It was shortly after 10.15 o’clock that the official cars arrived at the camp. Brigadier B. H. Bell and the Hon. W. Nash and party were welcomed by the Camp Commandant, Major , S. T. Seddon, who escorted them to the dais in front of which the troops were drawn up in mass formation. In the party were four members of Parliament, Messrs. J. Thorn, A. S. Richards, W. T. Anderton and C. R. Petrie. Also present were Mr. R. Eyre, Mayor of Ngaruawahia; Mr. H. D. Caro, Mayor of Hamilton; and Mr. H. C. H. Norris, representing the Waikato Returned Soldiers’ Association. As the party reached the dais the troops presented arms in a general salute. The automatic ease with which they performed the action was a testimonial to the excellence of their training and drew tributes from civilian and military onlookers. Brigadier Bell and the Minister made a brief inspection of the lines ! and chatted for a few minutes with ! officers on parade. When they returned to the dais Mr. Eyre stressed the pleasure he felt in

addressing the troops, and spoke highly of the Maori soldiers, who, he said, would uphold bravely the traditions of their race. Mr. H. D. Caro also made a brief speech. Stating that he conveyed a message from the Prime Minister, the Minister of Defence, Parliament in general and the people of the Dominion, the Hon. W. Nash said it was well to realise that to-day the Empire was facing, a greater menace than it had ever faced before. “Civilisation itself is at stake,” he said, in stating that the soldiers who went overseas would have experiences which would link them together as no other experiences possibly could. They would go into danger together and would bind themselves with the ties or comradeship. It was certain that the Government and the people of New Zealand would preserve the freedom of the Dominion while soldiers were overseas. As far as the troops who had gone were concerned, there was nothing greater they could say than that they were doing their part in upholding the traditions and ideals of democracy. He was certain that all who left these shores felt that. Territorial Greetings. Brigadier Bell said he was proud of the troops, to whom he brought greetings from territorial units, the men in the fortress areas, and those national reservists who were giving their services in various parts of the country. Last war it had not been necessary to defend New Zealand, but times had changed since then. He Concluded by complimenting the Ngaruawhaia troops on their efficiency and splendid response to the training given them. The men then repeated the Lord’s Prayer under the leadership of the Maori padre, Captain W. N. Panapa. At the conclusion of speeches the troops moved off in column of route past the saulting base, the salute being taken by Brigadier Bell. With arms swinging and feet marching to the stirring martial music of the Eighth Infantry Brigade band, under the conductorship of Lieut. J. Craven, the 1300 troops made a magnificent sight. The Maori reinforcements in particular impressed so perfectly did they catch the rhythm of the music.

From N.Z.E.F. correspondent: “I went into the men’s mess and sampled the food ... I lunched in the Officers’ Mess.” Cause and effect? ***** A visitor from Hongkong has criticised the way New Zealand people walk. Possibly he saw them returning from the races.