AMONG OLD COMRADES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 25 June 1943, Page 4

AMONG OLD COMRADES

FREYBERG WELCOMED BY R.S.A. Wellington, This Day It was a very proud moment for him to be back again in his home town among old comrades of the Great War. said Lieut.-General Sir Bernard Freyberg. V.C,. replying to a rousing welcome accorded him by a large and representative gathering of the Wellington R.S.A. in the Railway Social Hall late yesterday afternoon. A fairly large section of men returned from the present war were among those present "I have been eight years fighting Gei - mans. I would not like to make a forecast, but the evidence of the campaign in North Africa gives cause for a great deal of optimism.” said Sir Bn nard amid applause. WELCOME BY MAORIS Maori people of the Wellington district gathered in the Sydney Street Hall yesterday afternoon for their own special welcome to General Freyberg. when tributes to his leadership and to the work of the New Zealand Division in the Middle East were paid by speakeramong whom were representatives of several Maori tribes. Those present included the Prime Minister, Mr Frasci. the acting Minister of Native Affairs. Mr Mason: the member of the Executive Council representing the Native Race. Mr Sir Apirana Ngata and Lady Pomare. Speakers included the Prime Minister, Mr Mason, Mr Tirikatene, Mr Hapi Lov’e. and Mr Honi Heke. In his reply General Freyberg paid a tribute to the qualities of the Maori Battalion, narrating some stories of its doings through the campaigns.—P A