HOKITIKA NOTES

Grey River Argus, 25 February 1944, Page 2

HOKITIKA NOTES

(Our Own' Correspondent) HOKITIKA, Feb. 24. The Gael arrived this morning from Tarakohe with a cargo of cement, she is loading general cargo, and wlill sail on Friday for Okuru and Jackson Bay. A number of men who recently returned from overseas will return to camp on Saturday, after a few weeks leave. Last evening twentyj-two recently returned servicemen were tendered at the Soldiers’ Hall a civic welcome in the presence of a large attendance. The hall entrance was decorated witn ferns and the Municipal Band played a programme. On the platform were Messrs A. R. Elcock (Mayor), T P O’Neil (representing the County Council), J. Hutchison (representing the R.S.A.) and R. Webb (Maori representative). The guests were seated in front of the platform, including Privates Tom Gilbert and A. J. Shannon, who had been prisoners of war. The Mayor said their guests had done a great job, Even in the darkest hours of the war the people of Westland had complete faith in their soldiers. Those on furlough he wished a happy time, those sick and wounded a speedy recovery, and those returning to industry congenial opportunity of assisting the war effort, Mr. O’Neil, on behalf of the country community said they sincerely joined in the welcome. He asked the assemblage to stand lor two minutes in silence in the memory ot the boys who had given their lives, and 5n respect to the memory, of the 1 late Mr. D. J. Evans who had done I so much for the soldiers. Mr. Hutchlison, in extending a cordial welcome, gave good advice to the soldiers. He assured them that the Returned Services Association would be right behind them, now that thy had returned after their service had been well rendered. Mr. R. Webb said the Maori people were pleased to be associated with the welcome. The present conflict had brought the Maori and Paheka closer together They were firm friends, fighting the battle of freedom. It was a pity that during such troublesome times for the Empire strikes and other troubles occurred. The boys overseas were doing a great job, and needed all the support that could be given from home. He was sure that the solduis who returned on furlough had Jone their part, and if possible should be permitted to remain, and others go forward in their places. After the singing of “For They are Jolly Good Feffows,” cheers for the men jyere given. Sergeant J. Stuart of tika replied for the men. He said the soldiers were gratified to be home again among the good people of the West Coast. Soldiers owed the people a great deal for the way they; kept Even in the darkest hours of the war and there were some dark hours, their thoughts returned towards home. parcels along regularly, and the Coast parcels were’tip too, news from home spurred the soldiers on. The Kiwis had pushed on tn Tunis spurred by good news from home. Soldiers were also grateful for the subscriptions to the wax loans and the regular donations to the National Savings campaign. As ■ Kiwis they saluted all the good people It home. During the evening ffttems were given by the Maori con--cert pmly and the Hokitika Revue Company, and were greatly appreciated The soldiers and . their next of kin were entertained at supper. The Mayor, Mr. A. R. Elcock, following a rumour, communicated with Hon. J. O’Brien, asking if there were anything in a story that the local Post Office wa’s to be located m the adiacent Government buildings, and Government offices in the latter transferred to Greymouth. Replying today to the Mayor Hon. Mr.. O’Brien stated that it was not the intention of the Government to remove an v of the offices from Hokitika, nor was it the intention of the Government to transfer the Fost Office to the Government buildings. Mr. O’Brien enclosed a letter from the PostmasterGeneral, Hon. P. C. Webb, stating that the Government intended going on with the erection of a’ new post office in Hokitika as soon as conditions would permit. The reply from Hon. J. O’Brien will be reassuring.