R.S.A. RECEPTION

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25243, 23 July 1947, Page 9

R.S.A. RECEPTION

BIG CROWD OF FORMER SERVICEMEN The importance of a strong and united British Empire as a factor in world peace was emphasised by FieldMarshal Lord Montgomery yesterday when he spoke at the reception given him by the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association. The Wentworth Hall was packed with men and women who had served in three wars, and it was estimated that the crowd exceeded 5500. As the field-marshal, accompanied by the Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones), the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews) and members of his official party, walked up to the platform in the middle of the hall there was spontaneous cheering, which was exceeded only after the president of the association (Mr E. Orchard) had called for three cheers. Before the speeches, the fieldmarshal spent several moments chatting with Captain C. H. Upham, V.C. and bar. and he was also introduced to Mr Justice Northcroft, who is on holiday from the War Crimes Tribunal in Tokyo. “Back in 1942 the field-marshal said he hoped to visit New Zealand, and since then we have all been waiting for him,” said Captain Upham, who expressed a welcome on behalf of the returned men and women from the last He advised everyone to listen to what the field-marshal had to say, as few were better qualified to speak on the difficulties facing the post-war world. “Kiwis” had been proud to serve under such a great leader as the fieldmarshal, and they were happy to f.po.w that he was now a member of ineir association, Mr Orchard said.