THE NATIONAL RESERVE

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2390, 20 February 1915, Page 9

THE NATIONAL RESERVE

EXHILARATING STREET PARADE, "Way for the National Reserve 1" Many hundreds of people who were out and about .the city streets in the cool of last evening were stirred by an altogether uncommon sight. It was tho first occasion on which sections of the newly-formed National Reserve had paraded in publio, and the spectaole ivhjoh the more elderly of Wellington's citizens presented" was something to be proud of. and will doubtless not only mean a large accession of members to the. ranks of the Reserve, but should serve as a lively stimulus to the recruiting that is j quietly going on: for future reinforcements for the front. The turn-out,' which was only a sectional one—a march down to the Town Hall where a big meeting was held—proved ■that Germanv is not the only country that can produoe a "landwehr,". and, if necessary, a "lindsturm," with which to' fight the enemy to the last ditch. The Wellington South Division;marched city-, wards via Kent Terrace, with the Tramways Band at its head, and were (joined at Courtenay Place by the Wellington East Division, and together they made a gallalit show. It was inspiriting to note how seriously they took the parade, and how really well they marched. Hardly had they time to take 'their seatfi' in the ball when a crash of martial music from the direotion of Cuba Street smote the ear, and down marched the Island Bay Division, piloted by the Central Mission Band, whose drummajor outdid himself in his strenuous twirling of his silver-capped baton. The various divisions were oaob applauded as they entered the hall, and right well did they deserve the hearty acclamation: On either side of the entrance to the hall Were tables with entrance forms for the Reserve in charge of offi->and-at times the .rush of those wishing to sign on was too great for the accommodation. The effort of last evening mknti big increase to most-of :the Divisions, as-will be seen as soon as the first massed parade is announced. ; It is understood that a proposal is te be made for the City Council to illuminate wfth electric light one of the school: playgrounds in : each district' to facilitate the training of the National JJesarra. :