WELCOME TO KIWIS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVI, Issue 13, 15 July 1943, Page 3

WELCOME TO KIWIS

INFORMAL AFTERNOON

Because no public function can be held in the Town Hall and .a civic reception such as would normally be accorded to New Zealand soldiers who returned this week from service in the Middle East and North Africa cannot be given, the City Council decided last night, on the suggestion of the Mayor. Mr. Hislop, to invite all the men who might be in Wellington, and • with each two next-of-kin or friends, to an informal afternoon function on Monday, July 26, in the Majestic Theatre, The proprietors ofthe theatre had kindly offered to show, as part of the entertainment, an outstanding new film, and arrangements, he hoped, could be made for entertainment by a splendid concert party, which he had recently heard. A few brief speeches would be given during the afternoon. Unfortunately it was not possible to arrange to entertain the [men and their relatives at a luncheon !or tea, nor could a march through [town be arranged, for the men would be separated from their people. A souvenir programme would be printed. Councillor W. H. Stevens said that whatever might be done, he would still be unhappy about the landing arrangements on Monday; they were bungled and were a disgrace "to the Capital City. ■ Mr. Hislop: They were not the affair of the City Council. Councillor Stevens continued that the council should state that and its opinion of the arrangements quite definitely, but Councillor Nimmo suggested that before they did anything they should read the explanation given by Brigadier H. E. Avery, Quartermaster General.