MILITARY DISPLAY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2439, 19 April 1915, Page 6

MILITARY DISPLAY

"THE FOURTH" EXCELLENCE OF THE TROOPS OFFICIAL ADDRESSES One of the finest military displays yet made by colonial troops in this city took place on Saturday afternoon, and was witnessed by many thousands of people, many of whom had travelled far to be present. Those from afar were, of course, mostly relatives of members of the forces, and they had seized the chance of being present during the public appearance of tho troops. It was a glorious afternoon, the crowd enthusiastic, tho troops were excellent, and so the whole affair was most successful.

On Friday morning the mounted men were eeen, and on Saturday afternoon the infantry showed themselves. Accompanied by brass and pipe bands they marched passed the Government buildings shortly before 3 o'clock, and proceeded up Lambton Quay. The footways were lined with eager crowds, and every verandah, window, and baloony had its accommodation space heavily overtaxed. With all due respect to the counsellors against comparisons, it is useless to attempt to conccal the fact that no such well-trained and efficient-look-ing troops as these, the Fourth Reinforcemonts, have ever been prepared in the Dominion. True, the Fourth have had a double period of training, and that has had much to do with their excellence. Their marching was a raro treat, and eVery Briton doubtless noted with the greatest, pride their fine physique and good bearing. The Defenco Minister, in a speech delivered that afternoon, indicated what he thought of the Fourth, and ho has been very generous in his praise of the other contingents. Among those present in official capacity were: The Prime Minister (the Right Hon. W. F. Massey), the Minister of Defence (the Hon. J. Allen), the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke), the Commandant of the New Zealand Forces (Colonel Robin), the Chief of tho Getioral".Staff (Colonel Gibbon), and the Adjutant-General (Colonel Pilkington). Men. From a Fighting Stock. Addressing the forces, the Prime Minister said that he desired on behalf of the Governor and the people of-New Zealand to compliment the troops on their smart and soldier-like appearance, which was the result of the training they had received in Trentham camp. Mr. Massey congratulated the mounted men on the condition of their horses, and assured them that, if they landed their mounts at the front in anything like their present condition both men and horses would be the objects of great admiration, and would make a very good impression. "I am not going to preach to you, or at you,"- said the Prime Minister. "I don't expect you to be plaster saints." However, he exhorted them to -uphold the honour and the reputation of their country. If they did well, and conducted themselves well, they would be a credit to their native land, but if they did not, the reverse would be the case. There would be no reverse. Soon they would bo going away- and leaving _ sad hearts behind them, but it would be a solace for those at home to know that the men had obeyed the call of country and Empire. "God speed" were his wishes to all of them, when they sailed._ They were going as thousands of their fellow-citizens had done, and as thousands would do if required, to_ fight for the honour of the race and in response to tho call which had come recently from the land of their fathers. Hie men were going to the front because they were endowed with the true Imperial spirit, and because they came of an old fighting stock. Tbey would face hardship, but later they would share with others the glory of the achievement. It would be the privilege of the New Zealandcrs to fight for truth, and right,- and justice—the traditional cause of the race—in the war against' the strongest military Power in Europe, which had sought to wipe the smaller nations from the map and establish itself in a dominant position. Temptations would come to the trcops, but he was sure that they would do nothing of which their fellow-coun-trymen would be'ashamed; on the contrary, he knew that they would do much of which wo could all feel proud. A Grievance to be Remedied, The Minister of Defenco said that the officers and other ranks had one legitim-. ate grievance—regarding their railway fares at Easter. That grievance would be rectified in the next few days to every man who had done his duty— every man who' hiid not broken camp, etc. He bad been criticised for saying that anything could be better than the main body of the New Zealand Forces, but be wanted the Fourth to justify what lie had said of them. Whenever and wherever they went they would carry with them tho blessings of all New Zealand. The infantry were extremely fortunate in being under the command of Major Neild, and he congratulated Major Neild on his men. He believed that the officer ho had mentioned had won the respect of every mail in the force. It was good that a New Zealandbcrn man who had received his training in the Old Country .should give his services as Major Neild had done. He was sure that when Major Neild left, (as he supposed he would, to join his old regiment.) they would all wish himgood luck. "If you have any legitimate grievances," said tho Minister in conclusion, "tell them to your officers or non-commissioned officers. If you have any growlings. growl among yourselves, but don'.t send them back to _ New Zealand. Good-byel" The Minister mentioned that he was having circulated to the troops printed matter containing Lord Kitchener's message to the British troops leaving England. Lord Roberts's message, and Kitchener's message to the New Zealanders when they went to Europe. The Mayor also spoke, and a short religious service followed. The Rev. J. G. Chapman read the Psalms, the Rev. W. Sliirer read a prayer, and Bishop Sprott pronounced a benediction.