SIR ALEX. GODLEY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18590, 28 December 1934, Page 8

SIR ALEX. GODLEY

WELCOME IN SOUTHLAND

OLD COMRADES MET

TRIBUTES TO VISITOR

(Pur Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, last night. Filled with the thought of honoring their old commander-in-chief, and proud of the honor of being the first in New Zealand to do so, the returned soldiers and army nurses of Southland assembled in large numbers this evening for an informal welcome to General Sir Alexander and Lady Godley, who were re reived with great enthusiasm. It was at the wish of Sir Alexander that he appeared among the soldiers as their old comrade-in-arms. He met and shook hands with everybody there, recalling old memories and rejoicing m the company of men whose welfare had once been placed in his hands. After a short toast list had been honored, Sir Alexander presented badges and life membership tickets in the Invercargill Returned Soldiers’ Association to the nurses present. He took supper with a number ol former soldiers. Colonel J. Hargest, M.P., who was accompanied by Mrs. Hargest, a former member of the Army Nursing Service, presided, and also present were the ‘Mayor, Mr. John Miller, and the Mayoress.

The attendance was fully representative, comprising soldiers, padres, and nurses.

In proposing the (oast, “Our Guest,” the chairman said that some, of those, present had come 50 miles to see. Sir Alexander Godley, who lived in the hearts of the men. They were fortunate in having a man of the calibre Of Sir Alexander Godley to lead them. Reference had been made to tnr evacuation of Anzae and yuvhi, which was conducted by Sir 'Alexander Godley and his staff officer, Sir Brudenell White, then Colonel White. There was no doubt that many of them owed their lives to those two men, and their conduct of the evacuation must go down as one of the greatest military feats of modern times. The chairman concluded by paying a tribute to the work of Lady Godley. In reply, Sir Alexander, who was applauded to the echo, said that he was very proud that so many of his comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force had rorno- to meet him. Ever since the

Great War he had wanted that chance. He looked on hirnself lis a New Zealand soldier—if they would let him—and lie could assure them that one of his happiest memories would he the night he had spent with them. At the conclusion of Sir Alexander’s address, the gathering rose and sang heartily, “For lie’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” Lady Godley also thanked the returned soldiers and nurses for their welcome.