GENERAL RICHARDSON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17630, 21 May 1919, Page 4

GENERAL RICHARDSON

WELCOME IN CHRISTCHUKCH.

VISIT TO DUNEDIN,

(Pzb United Pbess Association.) CERISTCHURCH, May 20. General ' Richardson was quietly welcomed on his arrival this afternoon by Cr Bsanland, Deputy Mayor (in the absence of Dr '1 hacker, A 1.1?., in Wellington). In reply to a question from the Deputy Mayor as to whether h» would consent to a civic reception, General Richardson asked whether it was absolutely expected of him. "I am a soldier, you know," he said, and we don't usually look for that sort of thing." "Tho psople want to meet you," said Cr Beanland.

"Well, if it's to tell your citizens how much we appreciate the work they havo dono in providing for the comfort of the men at the front, I'll gladly consent," was ths . reply. " I would like to tell them officially, if it has not been already done, how valuable their work has been." The reception was fixed for 0.30 p.m. to-morrow in the City. Council Chambers. In reply to questions, General Richardson stated that he would remain in tho city about days, and would then go on to Dunedin. i He was taking charge of the administrative side of the Defence Department at the end of the month, and he wanted to look round first. ARRIVAL IN DUNEDIN. ARRANGEMENTS FOR RECEPTION. The reoeption to be accorded to General Richardson was briefly discussed at the meeting cf the Dunedin Returned Soldiers' Association's executive last night, and it was decided to appoint a sub-committee consisting of Dr T. Harrison, Captain R. P. Jones, and Mr H. Begg, to make arrangements, in conjunction with the Deputy Mayor. The secretary (Mr G. M. Smith) said th.it the Deputy Mayor had suggested to him that a large muster of returned men should meet the General at the Railway Station, and that a carriage should bo provided for his transport to the Town Hall, the carriage to be drawn, by a gun team, if possible. At the Town Hall -addresses should be delivered by the Deputy Mayor,;, and possibly a senior councillor and a representative of the association, and tno General should reply. If the weather-were fine the function could be the open and if not, inside the halL '