HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 16 July 1943, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own Correspondent) HOKITIKA, July 14. Hon. J. O’Brien was a visitor to Hokitika yesterday. Miss Johnson left on Thursday on a visit to Wellington. Mr. G. Rowlev County chairman returned to South Westland to-day. _ Mr. W. Searle returned to Hari Hart to-day. Mr. and Mrs. N. Brown well known residents of South Westland left today for the East Coast where they Will reside.

Private King, son of Mr C. J. Kir- arrived from the Middle East yesterday. Constable Kennedy, formerly stationed here was a through passeng-1 er to Ross yesterday. , ' Yesterday afternoon the returned I soldiers were tendered a civic reception at the Soldiers’ Hall, which was gaily decorated The Mayor. Mr. A. R. Elcock presided, and witii him were Major Richards (in charge of tile returned men), Mr. G . Rowley (County chairman) and Mr. J. Perham (President of the Returned Soldiers). Addresses were delivered by the Mayor and County chairman, and Mr. T. Tainui. Hon. J. O’Brien extended a welcome 'on behalf of the district and the Government, and detailed the Government’s intentions for all returned soldiers, including adequate pensions. Two Maori boys sang the Maori Battalion song. Major Richards expressed thanks for the very warm welcome. They were all pleased to be home, and looked forward to a happy furlough. Cheers were given for the soldiers. The Municipal Band played a pleasing programme. At the conclusion the soldiers and their next of kin were entertained at afternoon tea. In the evening the soldiers were tendered a banquet, over 300 being present, and the guests were accorded a hearty reception. Mr. F. J. Pernam, R.S.A. President presided. Music was provided by Messrs A. FI. Lawn (piano), T. Seddon and Brown (violins), and G Bowman (piano accordeoiw. Mr. J. Hutchison proposed “Fallen Comrades,” the assemblage standing in silence, and Mr. A. E. Perry sang “Beyond the Sunset,” and Bugler L. Ross sounded “The Last Post.” . The Mayor and the chairman of the County gave addresses of welcome, and Mr. T. Tainui extended a welcome from the Maori people. Major E Richards replied for the returned men. Mr. W. H. Stopforth proposed “Kindred Services” which was responded to by Mr. A. Thompson cßoss). The Mayor proposed "the R.S.A.” which was responded io by

Dr T W. Childs, Messrs F. McGregor and T. Stuart. Major Richards proposed “The Hokitika Patriotic Committee” and said parcels were coming to hand, and were a treat to to the boys. He made the suggestion to concentrate on foods, such as cake, oysters, etc. Mr. M. H. Houston responding said that last year Hokitika subscribed 12 900 to the Fund and so far this year they had subscribed £1196. The women had done great work. Each week 8000 parcels were forwaded to prisoners of war. Each parcel weighed 11 lbs. Each quarter the Hokitika committee forwarded 300 parcels, while 400 Christmas parcels would go 'forward. Ross was doing a great job and UKe Hokitika was always m excess of its quota. (Mr. H. Kortegast P r oP° sed '■The Press” responded to ov Ml. a. E Benjamin Items were given oy Messrs J. Conning, M. Coulson. Perry, Gurthrie, Bowman, and Sergeant Brown. .