UNITED NATIONS DAY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23974, 15 June 1943, Page 4

UNITED NATIONS DAY

THOUSANDS WATCH PARADE IN CITY MORE THAN 1200 PERSONNEL OF SERVICES TAKE PART Several thousands of citizens watched an impressive parade to celebrate United Nations Day in the city yesterday. More than 1200 members of the various services, preceded by mechanised units, took part, among them being W.R.N.S. personnel making their first appearance in the city. The parade coincided with the opening of Navy Week in the Liberty Loan campaign, many city buildings displaying flags. The flags of 22 countries were displayed along the safety zone of Cathedral square, where the salute was taken by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash), who was accompanied by Lord Burghley, British Controller of Repair and Overseas Supplies, Group Captain C. B. Wincott. Air Commodore Sir Robert Clark Hall, Brigadier E. T. Rowllings (Commandant, Southern Military District), Commander A. D. Boyle, R.N., and the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews). Over the platform itself were the Fijian flag, the New Zealand Red Ensign, the Union Jack, and the R.A.F. flag. The parade was led by a detachment of the Provost Traffic Control Corps, followed bv a Valentine tank and a General Stuart tank, scout cars, three anti-aircraft guns, a signals cable waggon and wireless van, dispatch riders, and a break-down truck of the latest War Office design. These were followed by a naval detachment (comprising some Fijians) of four officers and 76 other ranks, and detachments of the W.R.N.S. (one officer. 24 other ranks), of the Army (12 officers. 210 other ranks), of the W.A.A.C. (two officers, 257 other ranks), of the Royal New Zealand Air Force (nine officers, 160 other ranks), of the W.A.A.F, (two officers, 76 other ranks), of the W.W.S.A. tfive officers. 84 other ranks), and 16 members of the St. John Ambulance Brigade and 91 Red Cross personnel. Chief Marshal of the parade was Major T. A. S. McKenzie, who was assisted by Captain E. W, Espiner and Captain P. H. W. Nevill. Crowds lined most of the route of the parade, which started from Latimer square about 2.20 p.m.. the march through Gloucester street. Colombo street. Cathedral square. High street. Cashel street, Madras street, and back to Latimer square taking about 25 minutes. Stationed in Cathedral square was the St. Andrew’s College Pipe Band; and, marching with the parade were the Technical College, Christ’s College, Boys’ High School, and Royal New Zealand Air Force bands. MESSAGE FROM CHIANG KAI-SHEK (P.A.) WELLINGTON. June 14. "As we salute to-day the flags of the United Nations. I send you and the people of New Zealand the cordial greetings and best wishes of the Chinese Government and people.” says a message from Marshal Chiang Kaishek to the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser). "Since last year more countries have adhered to the declaration of the United Nations, thus fortifying the united front in the cause of all free-

dom-loving peoples. The danger which we in the Pacific face to-day is still very real; but with our growing might and solidarity among the United Nations there is no longer any doubt that the common will to eliminate that danger by crushing the enemy must prevail.” „ _ Replying to the message, Mr Fraser says: “Your message is most cordially reciprocated by the Government and people of New Zealand, who are deeply inspired by the indomitable will of the brave Chinese people. Their endurance and fortitude over years of bitter trial and suffering will, we trust, be rewarded before long by their country’s deliverance which has been rendered more immediate and certain by the might and growing momentum of the United Nations offensive.”