FURLOUGH DRAFT

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24824, 22 February 1944, Page 4

FURLOUGH DRAFT

THE CIVIC WELCOME

PARADE THROUGH CITY A civic welcome will be given tomorrow to all ranks of the Second - Division of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force who have returned fiorn the Middle East since July 23,

1943. The welcome has been arranged as the result of the recent arrival of the second furlough draft, but it will be tendered equally to any other men of the division who have returned since July last and also to nursing sisters, voluntary aids, members of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, naval personnel and airmen who have served overseas in the battle areas. Address Prom Di^s The welcome, which will be expressed on behalf of the city by the Mavor. Mr. J. A. C. Allum, will follow a parade which will assemble in Princes and Alfred Streets at 11.15 a.m.- It will move off at 11.45 and march to the Town Hall by way of Lower Symonds Street, Anzac, Avenue, Beach Road, Britomart Place, Quay Street and Queen Street, arriving at the apex in front of the hall at about 12.15.

Lieutenant-Colonel C. H. Sawyers, D.5.0., a member of the furlougn draft, will command the parade. Two bands, those of the Artillery Regiment, Northern Military District, and of Papakura Mobilisation Camp, 'will accompany the parade.

Addresses of welcome will be gives from a dais in front of the Town Hall. The civic address will be by Mr. Allum, and he will be followed by a fepresenta- : tive of the Government and bv 'Maior-i ! General P. H. Bell, C.8., D.5.0., officer commanding the Northern Military District, who will represent the three services. .

Lunch at the Town Hall After the addresses all those taking part in the parade will be entertained ,to luncheon in the Town Hall. If the weather is wet, all personnel will assemble at 11.45 in the Rutland Street drill hall and march direct to the luncheon room. Various local bodies are also arranging district welcomes to members of the furlough draft. One will be held by the Takapuna Borough Council at the Milford Picturedrome on Thursday and another will be held on Friday night at the Mount Albert exservicemen's social .club by the Mount Albert Borough Council. Children in primary and secondary schools in the metropolitan area will have the opportunity of witnessing the parade. The Auckland Education Board, at the request of the Mayor, has declared a special holiday for primary school children, and pupils of the senior schools will be released to see the parade.