SERGEANT HULMEV.C.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 76, 24 October 1941, Page 2

SERGEANT HULMEV.C.

RICHMOND S WELCOME

<l\l( FUNCTION YESTERDAY IN 1 111'SI A STIC RECEPTION When Sergeant \. C. llulnie, YE. arrived at Richmond yesterda> afternoon he was accorded an enthusiastic welcome by a large crowd of residents and school children assembled outside the Borough Council building- for a civic welcome. The Mayor. Mr A. R. Tuff ncll, presided. The Mayor said it was a unique experience in the history of the borough to have the privilege of extending a welcome to the winner of a VC. Sergeant Hulmc could chum to be Nelson's first VC. His award was gained by a series of deeds of valour performed over a lengthy period in which lie showed great courage. The citation to his award made all realise that New Zealand and I lie Empire could Mill breed heroes. The hearts of all British people were stirred bv the exploits of heroes in the past, but when one read of the deeds performed bv Sergeant Hulmc and his cobbers in Greece and Crete, they realised that the Empire had men who were just as brave and even more so than the heroes of old. The people of Richmond and of New Zealand were grateful for what their soldiers were doing over m ns and all should do everything they could to help the lighting men by sending them parcels and much appreciated extras and comforts. Each one at home should ask himself if he 1 i ent to be worthy of the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the fighting forces such as Sergeant Hulmc and his fellow soldiers. On behalf of the residents of Richmond he congratulated Sergeant Hulme on gaining the award which his deeds rightly deserved. Mr H. Stratford, speaking on behalf of the Richmond branch of the Returned Soldiers' Association, congratulated Sergeant Hulme. Ex-servicemen knew something about what was necessary to win such an award and they felt that the Sergeant must have had a charmed life to achieve what he had done. Sergeant Hulme's service and exploits provided a fine example. Not only did he do his duty bv obeving his orders, but he did that'bit extra which had made his services so much more valuable. The Mayor of Nelson, Mr E. R. Neale, said it gave him great pleasure to take part in Richmond's civic welcome. He referred to the citation to the award and drew attention to the ribbon worn by Sergeant Hulme which was the symbol of the Victoria Cross. It did not look very much but of all the honours which could come to a man of the fighting services it was the most highly valued and could only be won by exceptionally courageous actions. I-Ie endorsed all that the Mayor of Richmond had said. WANTS TO GET BACK Sergeant Hulme said he was very pleased to be in Richmond, where his wife and family had taken up residence and where he hoped for a time to live and come to know the people of the borough. Many very complimentary things had been said about him and he found it one of the most difficult tasks he had ever had to stand in front of gatherings of people and hear references to his own actions. He hoped that it would not be long before he could get back alongside his cobbers who had helped bfm to win the V.C. In conclusion, he thanked the Mayor and people of Richmond for the manner in which they had received him.