"CAIRO" BRADLEY

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 85, 7 October 1920, Page 8

"CAIRO" BRADLEY

RETURNED SOLDIERS' LUN-

CHEON,

A luncheon was tendered to Mr. W. Bradley at the V.M.C.A. yesterday in order that the visitor from Egypt might renew his acquaintance with soldior friends he made during the war, and also have the opportunity of meeting other returned soldiers. There was a large attendance of returned soldiers, including General Richardson, Sir Edward Chaytor, Mr. W. Perry, president of the Returned Soldiers' Association, and Captain W. Hardham, 1 V.O. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) presided. Mr. Luke, in welcoming Mr. Bradley, said that the visitor did not come to light simply through his work during the war; he had been a man among men prior to the war. Ho had sacrificed a great deal to engage in such work as made for the good of the world. Sir Edward Chaytor, in endorsing the welcome extended, by Mr. Luke, said .he felt that the people of New Zealand, the parents and friends of the soldiers, could not be too grateful for what; Mr. Bradley had done "His work and that of those similarly engaged," said the speaker, "had a very decided effect on the efficiency of the fighting forces, and we were only too glad to know that the men were being looked after and kept out of,trouble."

Mr. Bradley gave a brief but interesting account of the work in which he and his wife .had engaged during the war, and punctuated his remarks ; by several humorous and pathetic incidents. After the outbreak of war he had worked amongst the men of Lord Roberts's Battalion, and, on going to Egypt, he set out to keep men away from hotels, and other evil places. His home was thrown open, and men were entertained up to about 200 per week, while the needs of those in hospital and in the line. were endeavoured to be met. What he had done had only been a small part of the work his heart longed to do. There were many lives to-day^ he said, being squandered ■ before they reached 40 years. Concerning New Zealand he agreed with the late Richard John Seddon that it was "God's Own Country," and, he wanted to see the country inhabited by "God's own people." At the conclusion of his address he was accorded three hearty cheers.

Mr. W. Perry moved a vote of thinks to the visitor, and this was carried by acclamation.

Mr. W. Bradley continued his serie3 of meetings in the Concert Chamber of the Town Hall last night, taking as his subject "Vital and Victorious." H© gave a. vigorous address on the matter of vital personal religion, and held the attention of his audience throughout. To-night Mr. Bradley will speak at the Star Theatre, Newtown, his subject being "The Curse of Matrimony and the Cure"—a talk on matters of vital importance. Only persons over eighteen years of age are invited.

Messrs. J. 11. Betlmno and Co. will tomorrow, at their rooms, hold a sale ol books and cameras.