GENERAL GODLEY WELCOMED

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 December 1934, Page 2

GENERAL GODLEY WELCOMED

BY SOUTHLAND COMRADES. [PER I'EESS ASSOCIATION.] INVERCARGILL, December 27. Filled with the thought of honouring their old Commander-in-Chief, and proud of the honour of being the first in New Zealand to do so, returned soldiers and army nurses of Southland assembled in large numbers this evening for an informal welcome to General Sir Alexander and Lady Godley, who were received with great enthusiasm. It was at the wisli of Sir Alexander that he appeared among tlie soldiers as their old comrade in arms. He met and shook hands with every body there, recalling old memories and rejoicing in the company of men whose welfare had once been placed in his hands. After a short toast list had been honoured, Sir Alexander presented badges and life membership tickets in the Invercargill Returned Soldiers Association to the nurses present. He took supper with a number of formei soldiers. Colonel J. Hargest, M.P.. who was accompanied by Mrs Hargest, a former member of the Army Nursing Service, presided, and also present were the Mayor (Mr John Miller) and the Mayoress. The -attendance was fully representative, comprising soldiers, padres and nurses. In proposing the toast “Our Guest, the Chairman said that some of those present had come fifty miles to see Sir Alexander Godley, who lived in the hearts of the men. They were fortunate in having a man of the calibre of General Godley to lead them. Reference had been made to the evacuation of Anzac, and of Suvla, which was conducted by General Godley and his staff officer, Sir Brudenell White, then Colonel White. There was no doubt that many of them owed their lives to those two men and their conduct of the evacuation must go down as one of the great military feats of modern times. The Chairman concluded by paying a tribute to the work of Lady Godley.

In reply, Sir Alexander, who was applauded to the echo, said that he was very proud that so many of his comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force had come to meet him. Ever since the war, he had wanted that chance. He looked on himself as a New Zealand soldier, if they would let him, and he could assure them that one of his happiest memories would be the night he had spent with them. At the conclusion of Sir Alexander’s address, the gathering iUse and sang heartily, “For Tie’s a Jolly Good Fellow.’’ Lady Godley also thanked the returned soldiers and nurses for their welcome.