ROYAL COMPLIMENT.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1427, 30 April 1912, Page 5

ROYAL COMPLIMENT.

* ■ FOR OUR FORCE>S, i KING GEORGE'S INTIMATION, '. (By Telegraph.—Press 'Association,! Auckland, April 29.' An announcement that the King had conferred honour upon tho Territorial ' forces of the Dominion was made at Gov- ' eminent Houso this morning by Lord ' Islington, in the pros.uico of a number of ' the ollieers of one of the regiments singled ] out for distinction. In nddilion to his , Kxeellonoy and Ladv Islington, thoso prosent included tho Defence Minister (the Hon. A. M. Myers) and General Godley. ' Addressing tho gathering, his Excellency , said: "I havo invited you to assemble ■ this morning at Government llouso to : afford me an agreeable opportunity of ; • making a public announcement, which 1 I know will be regarded by tho rogimonta concerned—and, indeed, by tho whole Territorial Army of New' Zealand—as an honour of lasting significance. I havo been instructed by tho Secretary of State I tor the Colonies to make public announcement that his Majesty has graciously consented to identify himself with the Territorial Army of New Zealand by assuming tho position of Colonel-in-Chicf of tho Third (Auckland) Mounted liillos and the First (Canterbury) Regiment of Infantry. 1 would havo* liked to have been nblo to convey this important information to each regiment respectively on parade, but as that (for various reasons) was impracticable, I have been obliged to confine myself to the present occasion as being the best, available for tho purpose of enabling all ranks to become, in due course, informed of the distinction conferred. It will bo observed that, in this selection by his Majesty, honour has been conferred on both branches of tho service—mounted and infantry—as also on each island of the Dominion. I would also like to lake this favourable occasion of making tho further gratifying announcement that his Majesty has signified his approval of the Second (Wellington-West Coast) Mounted liiiles enjoying the of 'Queen Alexandra 2nd Mounted Rifles,' the senior squadron of that regiment having originally been called after tlio Queen Dowager when she was Princess of 'Wales. I feel assured that tho foregoing _ announcement, which I havo the privilege of making to-day, as the representative of tho Crown, will be received throughout New Zealand with acclamation by all ranks of (he army, and with a uniformly loyal sentiment of appreciation by Iho citizens of the Dominion. As it has^ fallen to my lot to be the first to make this communication, 1 should now like to bo tho first to offer my congratulations to tbc regiments referred to—of which yours, Colonel Bloomfiold, is the only one represented hero to-day—on this signed mark of honour conferred by his Majesty the King. Such an honour will, I know, be. prized by all ranks in these regiments, and will encourage and stimulate them now and hereafter to live iin to the high military standard which such distinction entails. This persona! connection of the Crown with the New Zealand forces will still further strengthen those ties which already hold so closely the hearts and interests of the people of this country within the circle of the British Empire." Aft n r the officers had been presented to his Excellency, awl their wives had boon presented to Lady Islington, tho guests were entertained to morning tea. General Godley. when soon by a reporter this morning, stated that he was sure that he voiced the feelings of tho whole army of New Zealand in savins how much tliev all appreciated the signal honour conferred upon the military forces of the Dominion by his Majesty's act. "It will be a srreat incentive to us all," said the General, "to make the NewZealand citizen army worthy of such a mark of distinction Majesty has so graciously conferred."