REGIMENTAL COLOURS

Waikato Times, Volume 119, Issue 19891, 21 May 1936, Page 8

REGIMENTAL COLOURS

SLthDAY’S CEREMONY. PRESENTATION IV GOVERNOR. PHENOMENAL INTEREST SllO\\'.\'. Phenomenal interest is being taken in the presentation of new colours which will be made to the \\'uikain Regiment by the Governor-General. Viscount Galway, in the High School grounds on Sunday afternoon. Furnishing a rare spectacle of military pageantry closely woven with colouri‘ul tradition, the ceremony is expected} .to attract an attendance of thousands. An indication of the widespread in—terest in the ceremony is given by the demand for seating privileges which were to the accorded to people directly associated with the regiment. prominent visitors and local body members. Provision was made to accommodate 900 but over 1100 requests were received and it. was necessary to curtail the applications. The inquiries {or accommodation at the ground have ex—tended over a wide district, requests being received from us far afield as Leigh, North Auckland, and Maiiere to the south of Taumarauni. All the regiments of the Northern Command will be represented with the onlcers from command headquaters. A number of naval omoers including Com—modore the Hon. E.R.Dru.mnlond_ oi—flcer commanding the Devonport Naval Base, and the Lady Evelyn Drummond will be present. Colour. on Dlsplay. The colours, which were made in England at a cost of £2OO, are being exhibited in the window of Messrs House and Baking in Victoria Street. This will probably be the only occasion on which civilians will have the opportunity of inspecting them at close quarters as, following their consecra—tion, they may not. be displayed publicly except under rigid rules which include the provision at a military guard.

It was stated to—day that the expense to be borne by the regiment was considerable. The outlay had been met to a point by public subscriptions and, in order to make up the balance, an attractive brochure had been prepared, explaining the details or the ceremony and the significance of the colours and giving a brief history or the regiment. The regimental omcers are hopeful that the receipts from the sale or the brochure will serve to balance the heavy disbursements.