New Zealand Troops on Top.

Manawatu Herald, 21 August 1897, Page 2

New Zealand Troops on Top.

At the review of the colonial troops the New Zealanders carried off first honors for their soldierly demeanor and excellent discipline. This is not the mere partial opinion of a New Zealander or ex-colonist. I am supported by a number of independent witneßsea. Two of the London daily papers referred to their performances in terms of the highest praise. One declared that their marching was the best of any on the ground ; another characterised their performances as " faultless." Even their rivals generously recognised their superiority. The^ SurgeonMajor of the Canadian troops spon*taneously came up to Colonel Pitt ;ifterward3, and frankly recognised that the New Zealand men had come off best of any, remarking that he might well be proud of them. The Daily News, in its report of the great review by the Queen it Aldershot has the following note : — II Then the colonial troops marched past, all very steady, smart, and soldiery, but none smarter than the New Zealanders, whose line was absolutely faultless. For them all the people had a hearty welcome." Further, 'at the Windsor review, Colonel Lassetter, of the New South Wales Contingent, went up (o Colonel Pitt and cordially congratulated him on the way the New Zealand men had marched past on that occasion also, remarking, " You have scored again." There have been many similar expressions of opinion on the part of the highest military authorities.