BRAVO OLD TIMERS!

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 292, 7 April 1941, Page 5

BRAVO OLD TIMERS!

HOME GUARD ON PARADE

RUATOKI CHAMPION PLATOON

Precision and steadiness were

the somewhat surprising features of the special competition for Home Guardsmen at Edgecumbe last Saturday. The fact that no less than eight plattaoins took part made the march past something of a spectacle, it being obvious that all uniltis were out to do their best and 1 had been practising consistently beforehand. Music for the marching was supplied by the Pipe Band and as each platoon passed the saluting base the large crowd broke., into applause. Tke march past in single column was also Avell executed, the band in this instance leading and setting a smart lively pace. The judges, Messrs G. H. Brebner, G. R. Wilson and A. Carling, experienced some difficulty in placing the order of the points, owing to tha. splendid display given by all concerned and the slight difference between the units. The final announcement Ruatoki (26 2-3pts) 1, T'e Teko (26pt)s) % Edgecumbe (25 l-3pts) 3. was greeted with warm applause. Those taking part were Eldgecumbe (2), Te Teko, Ruatoki, Paroa, Awakeri, Otakiri and Thornton. Over 250 men participated. The competition, though something of an experiment was a complete success and the spirit of all taking part Is worthy of congratulation. There was something inspiring about the 'old timers' as they swung along and, heads erect, shoulders squared made the best of the occasion and created a jolly

good impression