SOLDIERS RETURN

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 77, 1 April 1943, Page 4

SOLDIERS RETURN

FROM THE MIDDLE

EAST

"The best we can do for you will not be ' enough to ■ repay you for the service you have given to the democracies," declared Mr. A. G. Osborne, M.P., Parliamentary Under-Secretary, in welcoming a small group of walking wounded New Zealand soldiers recently returned from the Middle East. In apologising for the absence of the Prime Minister (Mr. .Fraser), Mr. Osborne expressed the gratitude and pride the whole, country felt for the men of the New Zealand Division and the wonderful part they had played in the Middle East. "When it comes to showing our gratitude," he added,' "no party politics come into it, and you can rest assured that whatever you engage in after the war your interests will be cared for."

Mr. S. G. Holland, Leader of the Opposition, endorsed Mr. Osborne's remarks. "There is no difference of opinion when it comes to showing our gratitude for what you have done," he said. "The only question is the limit of what we can do." He referred to the recent good news from Tunisia and the part the New Zealanders had played in it, and specially mentioned the thrilling record of the Maoris, a number of whom had returne.d with this group. Other speakers were the Mayor (Mr. Hislop), Mr. W. H. Price, chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, and the Hon.. W. Perry, president of the N.Z.R.S.A.