POIGNANCY

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 956, 26 April 1930, Page 9

POIGNANCY

Significant Military Display AUCKLAND’S MEMORIES Trim lines swaying along to the hoarse blarings of fanfares, or, then, to the deliberate tones of some sacred tune —a parading of youth in military pomp caught the spirit of the thousands who clustered the dome-like slope of Observatory Hill. In the young faces of the ranks of these forces was an echo, perhaps, of lines which marched similarly years ago, many years, it seemed. There was an element of sternness in the drab khaki of the companies of the First Battalion of the Auckland Regiment. Glints of sunshine on shining brass equipment, vagrant glistenings of the quivering forests of polished bayonets—these were the only relief to the grim aspect of commonplace colourings. But a greater significance lay in the mute story of these bayonets. With this younger generation of military assemblage perhaps strode ghostly figures of the men who died wearing the Auckland badge. It was a poignant moment for these Territorials as bands of ex-servicemen, some disabled, marched across their flank toward the Cenotaph. More eloquent still, the sight of bereaved women, dressed sombrely and bearing wreaths, who followed the remnants of battalions which marched in harsher military days. SALUTE TAKEN

There were almost 4 000 members of Territorial divisions and about 500 exservicemen and members of Imperial units. Brigadier H. R. Potter, officer commanding the Northern Command, took the salute from the troops accompanied by Major-General Sir George Richardson. Lieutenant-Colonel J. E. Duiga-n, D. 5.0., the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon; Major R. Miles. D. 5.0., M.C., and Major H. C. Glendining, D.S.O. Lieutenant-Colonel R. G. Milligan, D. 5.0., assisted by Major E. Puttick, D. 5.0., and Captain G. Dittmer, M.C., commanded the parade. The Hon. G. W. Forbes. ActingLeader of the House of Representatives, representing the Government, led members of the official party. “Old Hundredth.” was sung and wreaths were laid in this order:—Xew Zealand Government, Canadian Government, citizens of Auckland, Auckland Consular Corps, Returned Soldiers’ Association, Auckland Harbour Board, Auckland Hospital Board, Navy League, Red Cross Society, Victoria League, Mothers’ Union, the Mayoress’s War Memorial Library League, Auckland secondary schools and Auckland primary schools. Then came the wreaths from regimental units, relatives and citizens.

“Abide With Me” was sung, “Last Post” and “Reveille” were sounded and the troops were marched off after “God Save the King” was played. Over all, brooded the white front of the War Memorial Museum.