DIGGER SAILORS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20184, 29 February 1940, Page 4

DIGGER SAILORS

ACHILLES VETERANS GISBORNEITES ON LEAVE PATRIOTIC FUND GIFTS RECEPTION TO-MORROW Three Gisborne members of the complement of H.M.S. Achilles and veterans of the naval battle of the River Plate will return to their homes on leave this evening, according to the latest available information concerning their movements. They are:— Gunner Joseph Quinn, Cook street. Seaman Duncan McColl, Palmerston road. Stoker Bert W. Millier, Bushmere. An acknowledgement of the services of these three men in the River Plate engagement will be made by the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council tomorrow, in conjunction with a welcome arranged by the civic authoriteies. The public function will take place in Peel street, at the point from which successive contingents of Gisborne and East Coast men . have been farewelled on their departure for camp. Peel Street Presentation In order to meet the convenience of ihe public and to enable as many people as possible to take part in the welcome to the “Digger” sailors, the function will be held at 12.<15 p.m. Short speeches will be made by the Mayor, Mr. D. W. Coleman, M.P., the chairman of the East Coast Provincial Patriotic Council, Mr. Chas. Matthews, and the chairman of the Cook County Council, Mr. W. G. Sherratt, and the programme should be completed by 1 p.m. It is the intention of the Patriotic Council to provide the men of the Achilles from this district with a memento of their leave, in the form of a cash gift which should help to enliven the period of their stay at home. The families of the respective recipients are to be invited to take part in the function, and to receive the congratulations of Gisborne people on the safe return of their boys. Recommendation to Employers The decision to arrange an outdoors function, rather than take advantage of the offer of the Regent Theatre for the reception, was based on the expectation that thousands of Gisborne people will wish to take part in the function. The accommodation available in the theatre is limited to about 1000 seats, and fire regulations would not permit of admitting a number greatly in excess of that limit. It is considered, also, that, the hour of 12.45 p.m. will enable a large proportion of business people and employees to take part in the function, and retailers and other employers are recommended by the Mayor to make such arrangements as may free the greatest possible number of their employees to take part in the tribute to Gisborne’s representatives in what has been termed the most conclusive naval engagement of the war, and one of the most daring exploits in the annals of the British Navy.