Military parade in Square today

Press, 24 January 1986, Page 5

Military parade in Square today

Cathedral Square will become a ceremonial parade ground this afternoon. Two hundred soldiers from the Burnham-based 2/1 Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment will parade in front of the Cathedral at 3 p.m. The parade, which will be inspected by the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, is to reaffirm the battalion’s charter.

Charters originated in Britain, where certain cities had a statutory right to admit as “honorary freeman” persons of distinction who had “rendered eminent service to the locality.” The custom has been continued in New Zealand, and is a means by which a corporation can

honour a distinguished regiment.

The Christchurch charter was first conferred on the 2nd Battalion in January 1966. Privileges of the charter — often called the “freedom of a city” — include the right to march through the city’s streets with drums beating, band playing, colours flying, bayonets fixed and swords drawn.

The battalion will march to the Square from King Edward Barracks via Lichfield Street and Colombo Street, and return, about 3.30 p.m., via Worcester Street, Oxford Terrace and Cashel Street Music for the charter parade will be provided by the battalion’s ‘own band. $