NAVAL OCCASION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 10 September 1941, Page 6

NAVAL OCCASION

MEN WELCOMED AT AUCKLAND ! ROUSING RECEPTION ACCORDED I , Auckland, This Day. | 1 Warm as was the welcome accorded ; m Wellington on Monday to sailors i I home frojr > service overseas. Auckland’s : welcome to-day lacked nothing in en- l thusiasm. Headed by a naval band, a 1 i contingent of officers and men moved! off from Queen T s Wharf shortly before ' I noon and marched up Queen street for ' :V n °~ tdoor civic reception in front of |the Town Hall and later a citizens’ | luncheon in the Town Hall. Both | sides of Queen street were densely I crowded, flags and streamers flew from I buildings, and at intervals confetti was : showered down upon the marching j sailors. In the presence of a great gathering l P,; ront outlie Town Hall the Mavor. Mr Ahum said it was a day of rejoicing in Auckland as after months of anxious waiting many officers and men would m°4u ?, e r , eunited with their families. With thankfulness and pride the citizens welcomed them home from brave adventures overseas. The Hon. J. G. Barclay extended a welcome on behalf of Jhe Government 1 and paid a tribute to the naval men for the protection of convoys and maintain- ! ing the freedom of the seas. At the call of the Mayor rousing | nien >rS Wer ° given for the officers and Captain Bevan thanked the Mavor and citizens for the splendid welcome. I 1 hey had had a wonderful reception at Wellington and had been looking forward eagerly to reunion with their I la mines m Auckland. When they pro- 1 ceeded on active service again * they i would be willing and eager to do their 1 part m the confusion ol the enemy.— ! P.A. *