CROWDS BREAK CORDON

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25246, 26 July 1947, Page 10

CROWDS BREAK CORDON

PALMERSTON NORTH WELCOME

NEED FOR PREPAREDNESS EMPHASISED

(P.A.) PALMERSTON N„ July 25. The people of Palmerston North gave themselves wholeheartedly to the task of acclaiming Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery. The excited crowds in places broke through police cordons to press closely against the field-mar-shal’s car anxious for a closer look at the distinguished visitor. Long before 5 o’clock, crowds began to gather. The shops closed early to allow employees to join in the welcome.

It was dusk when Field-Marshal Montgomery approached the town, passing through densely-packed ranks. He stood up in the car to acknowledge the greetings. At one shop a young woman stepped out of an upstairs window to a veranda skylight, and crashed through to the footpath, escaping with light injuries. After going round the Square, FieldMarshal Montgomery went to the Opera House for a combined civic and Returned Services’ Association reception. Replying to the welcome, he emphasised the tragic consequences of a nation being caught unprepared for war. To-morrow morning, the field-mar-shal will fly to Hastings and Napier.