Famous Film and Radio Stars for New Zealand

Manawatu Times, Volume 70, Issue 150, 27 June 1945, Page 5

Famous Film and Radio Stars for New Zealand

FREE SHOWS FOR SERVICE PERSONNEL (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, June 26. Hon. Walter Nash announced that an offer had been received from Vice Admiral Calhoun, commander of the South Pacific Area and Force through his special representative in New Zealand, Lieut.-Colonel L. W. Nickerson, U.S.M.C., for a visit to New Zealand of the Claude Thornhill Show. This is a party of famous American film and radio stars and includes such wellknown personalities as Tommy Riggs, the radio star famous for his mythical character Betty Lou; Dennis Day. of the Jack Benny show; and Jackie Cooper, screen and radio star.

Mr. Nash said he wished to express his warmest appreciation of Admiral Calhoun ’s offer which had been gratefully accepted by the Government. The length of the visit of the members of the party to New Zealand is limited, but during the time they are here they will visit the main centres, principal service establishments and some of the main provincial towns. No charges will be made for admission to any of the entertainments being given by the party which are intended primarily for ser vicemen and servicewomen. Arrange ments will, however, be made to enable many discharged service personnel, including any repatriated prisoners of war, to attend. At each of the shows other than at service establishments service men and servicewomen and discharged service personnel may bring a guest. Detailed arrangements with respect to this and the admission of discharged service personnel will be announced later.

Colonel Nickerson said Viee-Admira! Calhoun was delighted to bo able to arrange for the visit of this show to New Zealand. He said this was the first opportunity that Admiral Calhoun had been able to take to express his appro ciation of the services rendered by the New Zealand troops both in the Pacific and other theatres of war.