NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE PARADE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24423, 8 October 1940, Page 11

NATIONAL MILITARY RESERVE PARADE

TO THE EDITOR

Sir,—As one who took part' in the parade of the National Military Reserve through the town last evening, I would like to state how disgusted tne majority ot the battalion were with the behaviour of a section ot the public and of a particular tram driver. When a portion of the parade reached the Stock Exchange a tram proceeding northwards stopped, its passengers immediately alighted and broke through the ranks of the parading men. This exhibition of bad manners ot a percentage of the puoiic was repeated on several occasions on the march. TT , , Then, again, opposite the City Hotel, a tram driver insisted on clanging his *bell and driving his car right through the Octagon. The action ot this driver —one is almost persuaded to the conclusion he must have Fifth Column leanings—split the parade up to approximately 50 yards. It may bo not generally known that military parades are not allowed to be interfered with in any way by vehicular or foot traffic, and such interference would not be tolerated for a moment in cities like London, Sydney or Melbourne. As for the reception accorded to the parade by the public, the least said the bettex - . When one considers for a moment that the parade was made up of returned soldiers who have volunteered again for the defence of their country.* well, to put it mildly, surely a little more consideration might be shown these men. —I am, etc.. National Reserve. Dunedin,. October 5.