THE SEVENTHS.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 October 1915, Page 2

THE SEVENTHS.

I'AiUiWETXED AT WELLINGTON. By Telegraph.—'Ptms Association. Wellington, Last Night. After a soaking niglit the weather cleared up beautifully on Saturday forenoon, so that when the afternoon arrived the city was bathed in sunshine, and the streets were thronged by many thousands of spectators to""Witness the march of the new battalions who have been preparing for service at the front.' The occasion was all the more memorable from the fact that the newly-formed New Zealand Kifle Brigade (Earl of Liverpool's Own), formerly known as the Trentham Regiment, was seen out for the first time.as a complete fighting unit, although even then it comprised only two out of the four battalions making up the complete establishment. His ' Excellency the Coventor, as Colonel-in-ChTef, rode at the head of the Regiment, which was accorded a very enthusiastic reception. This does not mean that the other arms were treated less warmly. The Mounted Rifle reinforcements, who headed the procession, made a brave show. They are fine men. splendidly mounted, and the Artillery, Army Service Corps, and Ambulance and Veterinary sections were all of a stamp that left nothing further to be desired in the matter of physique. Possibly the Seventh Infantry Reinforcements made the finest show, as they marcherl with bayonets fixed and rifles at the slope, while the Rifle Brigade trailed arms, but all arms of the forces on parade looked thoroughly "fit," and ready for any woik that may fall to their lot. Not all, but many of the men have had some very strenuous marches during their training, and the Sevenths have been across the ltiniutakas, so that those who stnv them inarch past yesterday could not fail to be impressed by their swinging stride and general air of capability. Nine bands, including the Rifle Brigade Band and Trent ham Camp Band, were distributed through the procession, the onler of the military portion being: 7th Mounted Rifles. Artillery, Ist Battallion New Zealand Rifle Brigade, 2nd Battalion New Zealand Rifle Brigade. 7th Infantry, Army Service Corps, l'ield Ambulance, and Veterinary Corps. The whole parade was over a mile in length, and occupied twcnty-fivl; minutes in passing a given point.