16 March 2005

Monday’s central city naval parade to feature loud volley of rifle fire

Monday’s Charter Parade by the crew of the frigate HMNZS Canterbury will feature a loud volley of rifle fire as the sailors march up Worcester Street shortly before midday.

Business operators in the area have been warned about the planned volley of blank rounds on Monday (21 March). The event begins at 11.45am from the Bridge of Remembrance and the sailors will parade along Oxford Terrace and into Worcester Street where the volley will take place.

They will then be “challenged” by officers of the New Zealand Police before marching into Cathedral Square and forming up for inspection in front of the Cathedral. Mayor Garry Moore will inspect the Guard of Honour. Afterwards, the parade will retreat along Colombo Street to the Town Hall.

The local farewell of the old Navy frigate takes place in and around the city until 21 March and the ship will be formally taken out of service in Auckland on 31 March.

Activities include open days on the ship, visits to schools, sports competitions, Royal New Zealand Navy Band performances and the Sea-sprite helicopter landing in Cathedral Square.

On Friday (18 March) the helicopter will be in the Square from 9am until 3pm. The same day, from 12.30-1.30pm, the Navy Band will entertain the lunchtime crowd.

The frigate will be open to the public from 1–4pm on Saturday (19 March) and from 10.30am to 4pm on Sunday (20 March).

ENDS

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