The Oval was very wet, with pools of water here and there.
The public evinced the greatest interest in the display.
No holiday was observed, but the crowd numbered several thousands and was most enthusiastic.
The General was accorded a hearty welcome. Enclosures had been formed for members of Parliament, the chairmen of public bodies, the reserve of officers, retired officers, veterans, ex-contingenters, ex-volunteers, honorary Territorials; and others.
The arrangements were planned by Captain Hickey, Officer in Command of Area Group XIII, and worked very satisfactorily.
The parade was in charge of Major Dodds, who was assisted by Sergeant-major Catto, Lieutenant Glendining, and other officers.
Shortly before 10 o'clock General Hamilton arrived, and was received with a general salute. He was accompanied by Brigadier-general Ellison, and Major Ashmore, R. A. (military secretary), and was received at the entrance by the Hon. J. Allen (Minister of Defence), General Godley, and Colonel Bauchop.
He at once set about an inspection of the companies, which were drawn up in battalion in the centre of the ground.
The General said some words of encouragement to the National Reserve (under Lieutenant-colonel Stoneham) and the Nursing Corps (under Miss Hooper), and on returning to the enclosure prepared for him his attention was drawn to the veterans, to whom he spoke for a few minutes respecting their medals.
The weather was beautiful yesterday on the occasion of the first visit of General Ian Hamilton to the camp at Matarae.
The men were out early and the early morning was spent in tidying up the lines.
It was not necessary that any extra pains should be taken, since the lines are always kept neat and clean.
At the usual time the mounted rifles brigade and the infantry went out to their usual work, both being engaged in the regimental practice of going into action on the hills to the east of the camp.
There was no ostentation or ceremony whatever about General Hamilton's arrival.
He simply dismounted from the train, was introduced to those members of the divisional staff whom he had not met previously and was then provided with a horse and conducted to lunch at the brigade headquarters.
After lunch he was introduced to Mr John Roberts, C. M. G., who had driven over from Gladbrook. - ODT, 29.4.1914.
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