CIVIC WELCOME

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26170, 5 June 1946, Page 4

CIVIC WELCOME

GENERAL KIPPENBERGER HONOURED RECEPTION TO CAPTAIN BANKS There was a large attendance of citizens in the Council Chamber of the Town Hall yesterday morning, when the Mayor, Mr D. C. Cameron, extended a civic welcome to Majorgeneral H. K. Kippenberger and to Captain W. E. Banks, R.N., commander of H.M.S. Achilles. “The city of Dunedin is highly privileged to-day to welcome Majorgeneral Kippenberger, who has been described as one of the greatest New Zealand soldiers of the recent war,” the Mayor said. We are delighted also that he is accompanied by Mrs Kippenberger, and we extend to her a hearty welcome.” A leader in warfare was not always correctly judged by the general public, the Mayor added, but the opinion of the average soldier who had served under him usually summed him up correctly. He had never heard anyone speak in other than the highest terms of General Kippenberger, either in an official or a private capacity, and had heard that, in the opinion of the men with whom he had served, he was a “ real dinkum soldier,” which • conveyed a wealth of meaning.

Welcoming Captain Banks, the Mayor referred to the distinguished war record of H.M.S. Achilles, and expressed the hope that Captain Banks and the members of his ship’s company would thoroughly enjoy their visit to Dunedin. “The Government is greatly indebted to General Kippenberger for his service in two wars, as well as between the wars, and especially for the manner in which he guarded the interests of his men in the recent war,” said the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones.. Mr Jones also referred to the part played in the war .by the Achilles, and commended Captain Banks and his officers and men to the citizens of Dunedin.

Other speakers were Mr A. S. Falconer and the president of the Returned Services’ Association. Mr S. P. Cameron.

General Kippenberger was greeted with applause when he rose to make his brief reply. “I think that about the last relics of modesty I had must .have been stripped from me this morning,” he said. “ I do not think speakers should say such things, because they are not deserved. I am proud, however, to receive your welcome and to be associated with the most famous cruiser of the New Zealand Navy.” “ I am conscious of the honour you do the Achilles in inviting me here this morning, when you are welcoming General Kippenberger home,” said Captain Banks in reply. “ I sincerely hope that both he and Mrs Kippenberger may live long to enjoy the blessings of the land which they so richly deserve. I wish also to thank the people of Dunedin for their great welcome and their warm hospitality.”