THE KING'S BIRTHDAY.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXVI, Issue 25, 4 June 1913, Page 7

THE KING'S BIRTHDAY.

TERRITORIAL PARADE. There was a fair muster of the “D” Squadron, Queen Alexandra’s 2nd Mounted Rifles, under Acting-Cap-tain W : . V. Wilson and Lieutenant James; the Medical Corps under Lieutenant K. Munro, and “H.” Company 11th Regiment (Taranaki Rifles) at the parade held in Stratford yesterday morning in honor of the King’s Birthday. After the fall-in, the men were marched to Victoria Park, where tney were inspected by Mr J. B. Hinc, M.P., the Mayor (Mr W. P. Kirkwood) and Surgeon-Major Carbery. Mr Kirkwood made a brief speech as follows:—“To-day being the birthday of our Most Gracious King George V., is an occasion for celebration throughout the British Empire, and it is very pleasing to see such an excellent muster of Territorials in this district on such an auspicious occasion. As the armaments of all nations become greater every year, the celebration of the birthday of our King becomes something more than there ceremony, and at.any time it may bo necessary for all loyal subjects to do more than talk patriotism. If the necessity should arise, there is little doubt that Xew Zealand will respond to a man, but in. these days of trained troops, it is most necessary that our men should bo well trained also, and for that reason it behoves our young men to submit to drill as laid down under the Defence Act. The shirking of proper training for the defence of our country is a very grave responsibility on the shoulders of the shirk' ers, and they will see the error of their ways when, more than likely, it is ton late. What the flag of Old England means to the subjects of the | King will ho host realised by those ofj you who have lived under a foreign (big. May the Union Jack continue in its place in the world until such time as universal peace is assured. God save the King.” The hand then headed a march through Broadway to the Post Office, where the flag was saluted. After this ceremony, the men were immediately dismissed. The Stratford Boy Scouts, .under Scoutmaster Rev. TV. Butler, also turned out, and took part in tho review and march past, view and. march past. Captain Lampen was in charge of the parade.