V.C. GOES HOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24104, 24 October 1941, Page 6

V.C. GOES HOME

NELSON RECEPTION SERGEANT HULME CHEERED PRAISE FOR HIS COMRADES [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION*] NELSON. Thursday Cheering crowds lined the streets as Sergeant A. C. Hulme, \ .C., in an open car, accompanied by his wife and two children, was driven in a procession headed by the Garrison Band for a civic reception after his return to Nelson by aeroplane this afternoon. Jwo thousand citizens and school children attended the function, shops in the town being closed for half an hour. The Mayor, Mr. E. R. Ncal, extended the city's congratulations to Sergeant Hulme, who in gaining the distinction by a series of actions which required great courage and skill had brought honour to his home district. Although ho was born at Dunedin, Nelson claimed him as her son through his length of residence. The only previous Victoria Cross awarded to a Nelsonian was to Charles Heaphy in 1865 in the Maori wars. Mr. H. Atmore, M.P., extended congratulations on behalf of a wider district and read a telegram from the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Eraser. "This is the greatest and proudest moment I have ever known,'' said Sergeant Hulme, "but I have the wind up with this thing (referring to the microphone)." He paid a tribute to tfhe New Zealanders in Greece and Crete, saying that, although naturally proud to receive the Victoria Cross, he felt that in wearing the symbol of the award he would be carrying the honour for the deeds of many of his fellow soldiers. Before those whose sons and brothers would not return he felt very humble. It was because of their bravery and wonderful actions that he was the proud recipient of the award.

Sergeant Hulme introduced his father, Mr. H. G'. Hulme, of New Plymouth, and members of his family. The Mayor entertained Sergeant Hulme and other returned men at luncheon. Later in the afternoon a civic reception was accorded at Richmond, where Mrs. Hulme now resides. '