TROOPS INSPECTED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 February 1942, Page 4

TROOPS INSPECTED

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT MEN CONGRATULATED. FINE SHOWING ON PARADE. Territorials in the Masterton area were inspected this morning by the GovernorGeneral, Sir Cyril Newall, in the presence of a representative gathering of the public. The men made a particularly good showing and were congratulated by his Excellency. On the arrival of Sir Cyril Newall on the parade ground, he was met by the G.0.C., and the Union Jack was unfurled, the Masterton Municipal Band playing “God Save the King.” Sir Cyril Newall then inspected the bandsmen and the Territorials. This was followed by the march past, his Excellency taking the salute. Later he addressed the men.

Sir Cyril Newall congratulated the troops on their parade, which he said, was a very creditable performance. He had always had a soft spot in his heart for the infantry, as some of the happiest days of his life had been those he had’ snent with an English regiment. He was confident that whatever the men were called upon to do, they would do it well. Their forefathers had shown courage and determination in overcoming many difficulties, and their fathers in the last war had set a magnificent standard of courage and determination, not only to New Zealand, but to the whole world. In this war their brothers in Greece. Crete and North Africa had set an equal standard. Today they were living in a time of grave national danger and supreme crisis. Hitherto the people in this country had been looking on from the grandstand, but things might be different now. The Allies had received blows, and there was a likelihood they might receive further blows. Everyone should show determination to pull together and make a united effort. It was no time for mudslinging or political criticism, except considered, constructive criticism. It was necessary for everyone to do something —every man, woman and child —all should have an allotted task. Everyone must be prepared to make sacrifices, to give up some of the things he had enjoyed in the past. When they received bad news they should not mope, but do something more, and do it better, and be cheerful, if they wanted to win through. He wished the men the best of luck, and impressed upon them the necessity of maintaining 100 per cent physical fitness.