C COMPANY PARADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 September 1939, Page 4

C COMPANY PARADE

DEPARTING SERGEANTS FAREWELLED.

ADDRESS BY MAJOR IRVING.

The fortnightly parade of C Company (Lewis Gunners), Hawke’s Bay Regiment, held in the Drill Hall last night, was well attended. Also present were machine gunners from D Company. The keen public interest in the work of the Territorials was again in evidence.

Major J. H. Irving addressed the men, and stated that the Hawke’s Bay Regiment had made the greatest contribution to the magnificent response to the recent appeal for volunteers by the Government. Major Irving referred to the high traditions of the regiment, and added that on a future occasion he would give a summary of its history.

Major Irving then called up Sergeants C. A. Newland, A. M. Kennedy, J. R. Johnstone and G. C. Gaze, and on behalf of the Masterton Territorials presented them with a service knife each. In congratulating the men. Major Irving mentioned that Sergeant Cliff Newland had served twelve years with the local unit.

Army traditions notwithstanding, Major Irving called for three hearty cheers, for the men.

Major Irving, who stated that Lieutenant I. A. Hart had joined the special force, spoke privately to the men who had volunteered from the Masterton Territorials.

The Transport Drivers’ section was instructed in the care of engines by the chief mechanic from Fagan Motors Ltd.

The usual musketry exercises, bayonet drill, Lewis gun drill, etc., were carried out, the men being dismissed by Company Sergeant-Major J. K. Welch.