PAHIATUA GIFT'

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 87, 14 April 1942, Page 7

PAHIATUA GIFT'

BREN GUN CARRIER

A Bren gun carrier presented by the residents of Pahiatua district was driven up to the grounds of Parliament House today and was there formally accepted on behalf of the Government by the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones). The carrier was handed over by Mr. Godfrey Taylor, representing' the Mayor and councillors of Pahiatua.

Mr. Taylor, a resident of Pahiatua for 40 years, was the origi ator of the gift. Inspired by the success of war weapons and munitions appeals in cities in Britain, the thought occurred to him: Why cannot the same be done in New Zealand? He thereupon wrote to the local paper offering to contribute £50 if 19 others would do likewise. The result was not up to expectations, but the Mayor then took up the proposal and without a direct canvass of anybody £1154 was raised. The small balance required to purchase a Bren gun carrier was found by the Government.

Mr. Taylor handed over the carrier with the best wishes of the citizens of Pahiatua and surrounding 'district for its use, if necessary, in the defence of New Zealand.

Appreciation of the gift and of the part played by Mr. Taylor was expressed by Mr. Jones, who asked Mr. Taylor to convey to the Mayor of Pahiatua (Mr. Siddells) nd the citizens of Pahiatua the thanks of the Government for their generosity. There is a suitably inscribed plate on the front of the carrier.