MARLBOROUGH NEWS

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21386, 31 January 1935, Page 18

MARLBOROUGH NEWS

•RECEPTION BY SOLDIERS I SIB ALEXANDER GODLEY'S ; VISIT (SPECULI. TO THE PXEBS.) BLENHEIM, January 30. A reception was tendered this eventog to General Sir Alexander Godley by the Mayor and councillors, in conjunction with the Returned Soldiers' Association, at the Masonic Hall, a large number of returned soldiers being present. The general, on entering -the hall, received a warm welcome, everybody rising and cheering heartily. Mr E. J. Brammall, president of the Blenheim branch of the Returned Soldiers* Association, extended to Sir Alexander a hearty welcome. He remarked that Sir Alexander's ability during war days was never questioned, and his appointment as chief of the army of occupation on the Rhine demonstrated the esteem in which he was held by the War Office. Speeches of welcome were also given by the Mayor, Mr E. F. Healy, M.P., and the chairman of various local bodies. Sir Alexander, who on rising to teply, received great applause, said he was very pleased to meet old comrades once again. He remarked that Sir lan Hamilton, who always had a great regard for New Zealand soldiers, had asked him to give best wishes to all New Zealand returned men. Sir Alexander referred to the many battles in Which New Zealanders had fought, and gave some interesting accounts of many episodes that occurred, and concluded by'thanking the returned soldiers for attending in such numbers to welcome him. Items were given and community tinging of old war songs was enjoyed. Personal Sir and Mrs G. Moller returned home from Motueka last eyening. Mrs J. Links will leave for Sydney in February, and will be away about three months. Cricket The cricket fixtures for next Saturday are as follows:—Senior grade: Tuamarina v. Kiwi B, Kiwi A v. Awatere, Wairau v. Marshlands, Picton A a bye; junior grade: College v. Picton, Marshlands v. Albion A, Albion B v. Springcreek, Celtic v. Tuamarina, Waiau A a bye. Athletics The Marlborough Amateur Athletic /tosociation have received advice that tt Wellington team of athletes are uni.ble to visit Blenheim next Saturday m intended. ' Eifie Shooting At a meeting of the Marlborough Bifl® Association held last evening, Mr C. Hadlield presiding, the Milroy Shield challenge from Nelson was accepted, the match to be held at Blenheim on February 16. The programme lor the South Island championship to be held at Blenheim at Easter was fci't to a special .committee to arrange.-