NELSON CHEERS V.C. WINNER

Southland Times, Issue 24574, 24 October 1941, Page 4

NELSON CHEERS V.C. WINNER

Sergeant Huhne’s Return (P.A.) NELSON, October 23. Cheering crowds lined the streets as Sergeant A. C. Hulme, V.C., in an open car accompanied by his wife and two children was driven in a procession headed by the Garrison Band to the church steps for a civic reception after his return to Nelson by plane this afternoon. A large crowd of 2000 citizens, and school children attended the function, the shops in the town being closed for half an hour. The Mayor, Mr E. R. Neale, extended the city’s congratulations to Sergeant Hulme, who, in gaining distinction by a series of actions which required great courage and skill, had brought honour to his home district. Though he was born at Dunedin, Nelson claimed him as her son through his length of residence here. The only previous V.C. awarded to a Nelsonian was to Gharles Heaphy in 1865 in the Maori wars. Mr H. Atmore, M.P., extended congratulations on behalf of a wider dis-« trict and read a telegram from the Prime Minister. Mr G. R. McKellar, president of the R.S.A., spoke for the returned men. “This is the greatest and proudest moment I have ever known, sa *j Sergeant Hulme, “but I have the wind up with this thing” (referring to the microphone). He paid a tribute to the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete, saying that he felt that in wearing the symbol of the award he would be carrying the honour for the deeds of many of his fellow soldiers. Before the relations of those whose sons and brothers would not return he felt very humble. It was because of their bravery and wonderful actions that he was the proud recipient of the award. Sergeant Hulme introduced his father, Mr H. C. Hulme (New Plymouth), and members of his family. Trafalgar street near the steps was bedecked with bunting and the official dais displayed a banner bearing the words: “Nelson is proud of you.” The Mayor entertained Sergeant Hulme and other returned men at luncheon. Later in the afternoon a civic reception was held at Richmond, where Mrs Hulme now lives.