SIXTEENTHS PARADE
WELL UP TO THE STANDARD. Onco again tho streets of tho city were crowded on Saturday afternoon to witness tho inspiring spectacle of a parade through tho main thoroughfares of tho Sixteenth Reinforcements. Tho latest draft is a splendid lot, fully up to the standard of previous Reinforcements, and their hardy looks and jaunty stride spoke volumes for tho line system of training they had undergone. The reception given to the Sixteenths on Saturday by the crowds that thronged tho routo was not a whit ]ess hearty than has been customary in tho past, and the spring flowers that were showered upon the men as thoy marchod was only equalled by the spring in their hearts, so vividly reflected on their faces. Tho column was officially headed by Captain King, of the Reinforcement, but unofficially, or sentimentally, it was led by "tho little cobbler of Featherston" (Mr. F. V. Rutherford), who appears to havo been adopted by all Reinforcements, as tho human symbol of the hardy spirit of those who follow 'his little flag. At the saluting base before the Government Buildings was Brigadior-Gcncral Sir Alfred Rabin, Officer Commanding the Forces, and with him were tho Prime Minister (Right Hon. W. F. Massey), tho Minister of Defence (Hon. Jas. Allen, and other Ministers and members, also tho Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Luke) and members of the Headquarters Staff, whoso ccomiums on tho Reinforcement left no doubt that the men wero well up to tho standard of other drafts which havo already gone forward. An. inspiriting factor in Saturday's parade was the largo number of bands that turned out to honour the Roinforcement. Those numbered _no fewer than nine, and it is only right that their services should bo acknowledged. The bands represented in tho parade, were thoso of- the New Zcalancf Natives' Association, tho Central Mission, Salvation Army, Wellington Patriotic Society, the Wellington Highland Pipe Band, tho two camp bands, and tho Featherston Trumpet Band. This plethora of bands was, indeed,, somewhat embarrassing to those on parade owing to the music of the ahoad being at odds with the one bohind. Still, tho clash of martial music is loved by soldiers and citizens alike, and in the case of these parades, tha more the merrier holds good. PARADE IN. DUNEDIN. Br Telegraph—Press Association. Dunedin, August 19. About one thousand members of the Sixteenth Reinforcements paraded today, and marched through the principal streets and past tho! City Hall, where they saluted. The routo of march was thronged with school children, cadets, and tho Boy Scouts were given special facilities for witnessing tho display. Several bands marched with tho soldiers. Tho general opinion was that the Reinforcements were equal to any that have left New Zealand. . Unfortunately, the weather was unfavourable, a drizzling rain falling during the greater part of tho timo occupied by the display. Nevertheless, many thousands witnessed the parade. Every coign of vantage was occupied, and the troops were heartily cheered as they marched.
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Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2855, 21 August 1916, Page 7
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499SIXTEENTHS PARADE Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2855, 21 August 1916, Page 7
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