MILITARY CEREMONIALS.

Taranaki Daily News, 1 June 1920, Page 1

MILITARY CEREMONIALS.

POSITION OP RETURNED MEN.

GUARDS AND FIRING PARTIES.

At last night's meeting of the Returned Soldiers' Association, some explanations were made in reply to questions which have been raised as to why th'e R.S A. did not form the guard of honor for the Prince of Wales on his visit to New Plymouth. The chairman (Lieut.-Colonel Evans) said the difficulty was that sufficient returned soldiers could not- parade in uniforms of the same kind, nor had they the necessary arms for the occasion.

Lieut. Andrew, V-C., explained that a guard of honor had to consist of 100 men, with arm?., and on being informed by the secretary of the U.S.A. that the returned soldiers could not furnish such a guard, and as the Xltli. Regiment was not in a position to provide a guard, the only alternative was for the High School Cadets to provide the guard. He pointed out that the cadets had been given no option in the matter, but were simply told they had in do it. The president also remarked that if the returned soldiers had furnished the guard of honor they would have been very much out of the function which took place in the park. He was very glad that the real explanation of the position had been made The question of the attendance at the funeral of returned soldiers was also : brought up, regret being expressed that the Association had not furnished the firing parties these occasions. It was suggested that men willing to assist in this connection should hand in their names as volunteers, and that an endeavour should be made to have a certain number of uniforms available bo that the men who have served thencountry abroad and die at home should be given proper burial, with full military honors. The question of having a proper team and drivers for the gun carriage at such funerals was also discussed.

lit. Andrew said arrangements always had to he made hurriedly, hut if returned soldiers were willing to act he would do his best to get the necessary equipment for them, and would also give his time to coach a squad for a firing party. Ceremonial drills were somewhat intricate and preparation was necessary.

This suggestion was adopted, and fiergt.-Major Roper, who offered to help in any way possible, undertook to try iWid get men together for such occasions. Porno of those present gave in their names as volunteers for sucli service.