DIGGERS ON PARADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24421, 5 October 1940, Page 10

DIGGERS ON PARADE

NATIONAL RESERVE BATTALION DEEP IMPRESSION CREATED Few parades in Dunedin in recent years have attracted such attention or created such a deep impression as last night's parade of the National Reserve Battalion, which, over 600 strong, marched through the main street of the city with steady tread, magnificent bearing, and determined expression. Falling in at the Oval, the battalion, which was over 600 strong, and was commanded by Lieutenant-colonel McPherson. marched along Princes street to the Octagon, where the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen), Colonel E. R. Smith, and the Army Queen (Miss Airini Grennell) took the salute. The battalion then proceeded along George street to Frederick street, and returned to the Octagon. The streets were packed with a crowd that, while it was obviously deeply impressed by the bearing of the men, showed little sign of its appreciation, and let the seemingly neverending line of men pass by without a cheer or a clap. But that seems to be the way with a Dunedin crowd, and it was certainly not because the people were not thrilled with pride and patriotism at the sight of the veterans of another war ready and willing to play their part in the defence of their country. It is to be hoped that the battalion, which last night was played through the streets by the Dunedin Highland Pipe Band and the Kaikorai Band, will hold many more similar parades in Princes street.