SECOND ANZACS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20207, 28 March 1940, Page 13

SECOND ANZACS

ROUSING SCENE BIG GISBORNE FUNCTION THOUSANDS CROWD ROAD MAORI ENTHUSIASM The biggest crowd seen in Gisborne for many years completely blocked Peel street yesterday afternoon and overflowed into Gladstone road on the occasion of a public function for members of the Maori Battalion and the Second Echelon on their return to camp from leave. It is estimated that there were 5000 people at the function, the numbers being greater than on .the previous farewell to the Maori recruits. Fortunately, the rain eased off shortly before the time for the assembly of the troops in Peel street, and ft was not until the members of the Maori Battalion were marching to their conveyances that the rain came down. Even a sharp shower, fortunately short, did not break up the dense mass of people. Particular enthusiasm was displayed by the Maori people, and action songs and hakas helped to enliven the proceedings. The addresses of- farewell were bright and brief, and much enjoyment was derived from a speech given by Mr. Plenare Ruru, who represented the Maori frace, when he preferred some advice to members of the Maori Battalion when they were chasing “naughty little Hitler.” Members of the Maori Battalion were conveyed in six service cars and buses, and as they passed through the densely packed crowd they were farewelled with cheers and parting calls, the crowd at last dispersing when the vehicles turned out of sight into Gladstone road. Response to Call Following the address given by Mr. E. Harris, on behalf of the people of Gisborne, Mr. F. T. Robinson, clerk of the Cook County Council, apologised for the absence of the chairman, Mr. W. G. Sherratt, and expressed gratitude and satisfaction at the manner in which both the Maoris and Europeans had responded to the call to arms. He trusted that the men going to camp would have a safe return and that the people would be able to rejoice on their home coming.,

Mr. C. A. Harries, speaking on behalf of the Gisborne Returned Soldiers’ Association, said that many present remembered such occasions 25 years ago, and those who went away then cherished the memories and the friendships made in those times. The Returned Soldiei-s’ Association wished the new contingent good luck and a safe return.

Col. R. F. Gambrill referred to the present troops as the second Anzacs, for he was sure that New Zealand’s new army would be equal to the original troops which bore the name of Anzacs, The occasion was one for au revoir not farewell, for he was sure that they were coming back. There would be lots of fun and also hard work, and he hoped they would make the most of both.

The Patriotic Council was working behind the lines, so to speak, to make certain that when they came home there would be something here for those who needed it. This district had contributed many more men than its quota, and when they came back there would be all the more to look after. “Au revoir, good luck and God bless you,” he concluded. “England Expects” Mr. Heri'are Ruru, speaking on behalf of the Maori people, apologised for the absence of Sir Apirana Ngata, who had been called to Wellington. He was gratified to see such a large crowd. A gathering such as that was sufficient evidence for the troops to realise that the job. they were to tackle was regarded as most important. ■! New Zealanders were small in number, but they were widespread throughout all branches of the fighting forces and on all fronts, and those present yesterday were part of those numbers who were engaged in a very important work. The troops were bound to live up to the old appeal, “England Expects Every Man Will Do His Duty,” and the Maori and European would' shoulder their job together. Those who earned the name of Anzac by deeds and results in the last war created a great name for themselves, and the present troops would be able to do every bit as good. He knew they would do their job thoroughly. » Following this, the party of native girls gave an action song, in which members of the Maori Battalion joined, and concluded tbs impromptu section of the function, with a haka, followed by cheers.