A POPULAR SOLDIER

Otago Witness, Issue 3399, 7 May 1919, Page 37

A POPULAR SOLDIER

WELCOME TO GENERAL RICHARDSON. AUCKLAND, May 5. Auckland accorded a cordial welcome home to General G. S.-- Richardson, who was aboard the Remuera. He was met on landing by Major-general Robin, the Mayor of Auckland, Colonel Potter (the officer commanding the district), and the chairman of the Harbour Board. Returned soldiers paraded at the wharf, and were drawn up in platoons. On behalf of the returned soldiers, the president of the Auckland Association presented Gene - fal Richardson with an address of welcome, after which a procession was formed, and amid-dense crowds. Genera} Richardson proceeded to the Town Hall, where he was accorded a civic reception. In • his reply to the returned soldiers, General Richardson said he felt really that praise was due only to those who had • sacrificed their lives in tho war. Second to these men oame those w"ho had been permanently disabled. He was sure he and every other officer would do his utmost on their behalf. He hoped that when Sir Andrew Russell and others returned they would be given an equally cordial welcome. Asa soldier he .had nothing to do with politics, and he deplored the fact that dis oharged soldiers in Britain had split themselves up into a number of political organisations. He disapproved of political activities of this kind. Continuing, he said the rest of tlie New Zealand force would be out of England in September. Inquiry had shown that 50 per cent, of those in England had not been guaranteed employment' on their return to the dominion. He hoped that men would be assisted to settle into civil life when they returned.