AUCKLAND PARADE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 January 1940, Page 6

AUCKLAND PARADE

STREETS DENSELY LINED PUBLIC DEMONSTRATION. TROOPS GREATLY ADMIRED. (Ry Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. This Day. In brilliant sunshine, soldiers of the Special Force, numbering over 2000, from Hopuhopu, Papakura and Ngaruawahia camps paraded at the Domain today in the presence of over 6000 citizens, and afterwards marched back to the Railway Station through densely lined streets. After their arrival by trains early in the forenoon, the soldiers marched by a short route to the Domain, headed by military bands. As the respective units formed up on parade at the Domain, they were greeted by rounds of warm applause. These included a Unit that is purely Auckland's —the 18th Auckland Infantry Battalion. So well had they been trained, that it was almost impossible to believe that only three months had passed since they set out to become soldiers. The parade was commanded by LieutenantColonel Parkinson. The magnificent arms drill of the men as they accorded Colonel Weir a general salute brought enthusiastic applause. Addresses were given by Colonel

Weir. the Mayor. Sir Ernest Davis and the Hon W. Nash, representing the Government. At the call of the Mayor three rousing cheers were given by the crowd for the soldiers. Crowds of civilians five and six deep lined the streets as the men marched back-. Queen Street was thickly thronged. There was hearty cheering and almost every soldier appeared to have friends in the crowd.