CONGRATULATIONS

Hokitika Guardian, 1 April 1933, Page 2

CONGRATULATIONS

TO GARIBALDIAN .VETERAN. FROM MUSSOLINI.

AUCKLAND, March 29,

A congratulatory message from Signor Mussolini, Prime Minister of Italy, to Captain N. J. Newby, of Grey Lynn, whose hundredth birthday was celebrated on Sunday, was read at a reception given to Captain Newby yesterday by tile Auckland Workingmen’s Club. The captain ’is believed to be the last survivor of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s English legion of 10CO picked men, which was sent by the British Government to Italy in. 1859.

The message, which was sent through Oavaliere G. Formichella, Italian Consul at Wellington, was as follows: —“Kindly convey to Captain Newby ny hearty wishes, and sincere appreciation of his services under Garibaldi.”

Some three months ago, Mr N. A. Ching, president of the Workingmen’s Club, wrote to Signor Mussolini and explained the circumstances of Gap'ain Newby’s service in Italy;. Mr Ching also mentioned that a reception to the captain to celebrate his hundredth birthday was intended, and, nroof that Mussolini remembered, came : u the form of the message. The telegram was read to Captain Newby for the first time yesterday, and he was lelighted to receive such a message of appreciation.

Captain Newby was entertained by ‘n cm bens of the committee of the club., Mr Oiling, who presided, offering the "ongratulationa of the club a . 3 a whole to one whose personality had been "cfleeted in the life of the institution. T le said that every one of the 1300 would endorse any tribute to the captain, who had shown himself to be \ good clubman.'

Mr Ching presented Captain Newby with an engraved pewter pot, and the -ecipient later celebrated the occasion by drinking a pint of ale with the club members.

Captain Newby acknowledged the lift in a bright .speech, in which he referred ,to early / experiences in Auckland. Ho said / his, heart and soul vere with the Workingmen’s Club, in which he had 'spent times a s happy >.s those in the,' Junior United Service Club, London, •of which he was a • life member.

“I have had exciting experiences hese last few days,” he;stated. "I have enjoyed them. I have had a wild 'ife, I admit; but I thank God I have •eached‘this' age.” After-saying that be actually did not .come;to New Zea'and as a pioneer, in 1884, but rather to fight the Maoris, Captain Newby said:—“l hear ,you all grumbling and growling about these times, but I wish you had'lived in those early days in Auckland. In 18fi7 Auckland was bankrupt up to the; neck, and no one can deny it. The opening of the Thames saved 1 Auckland.’ Captain Newby concluded by suggesting that the club should have a debating i&ociiety. He .s/iid he considered this desirable because of the inability, of the; young people of today to express 1 themselves as well as they should.

A.t a general; assembly of club mom’>ers later, Captain Newby was presented with a pipe and tobacco. He was cheered, and the members sang “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow,” the -•aptain waring his hat in recognition of the tribute. ,