MILITARY MEDAL WINNER

Southland Times, Issue 24769, 13 June 1942, Page 4

MILITARY MEDAL WINNER

WELCOME HOME TO GUNNER_WIXON In a colourful and hearty welcome home to Gunner Richard H. Wixon, M.M., at Colac Bay last night, pakeha and Maori residents and visitors combined in a spontaneous tribute to a gallant young soldier who had brought honour to himself and his district. The hall was well filled and the evening was spent in dancing until a formal reception before the supper interval. The reception opened with the traditional Maori welcome “Haeremai” by a party of Maori girls wearing mats. The appearance of Gunner Wixon on the stage was greeted with cheers and applause. Gunner Wixon was joined by other returned soldiers of the present war. Mr N. J. Stick was chairman and also on the stage were the Deputy-Mayor of Invercargill (Mr A. Wachner), the town clerk (Mr W. F. Sturman), the Mayor of Riverton (Dr N G. Trotter), the president of the Riverton branch of the Returned Services Association (Mr W. Whittingham), Mrs T Te Au, grandmother of Gunner Wixon, his father, Mr J. Wixon and Mr J. Beaton, of Pahia, who gave a welcome on behalf of the native race. PROUD OF GUNNER WIXON

It was a matter of great pride that the honour of gaining the Military Medal had been won by a Maori, said the chairman. Colac Bay felt very proud of Gunner V/ixon and looked forward to the time when it could welcome home its other great hero, Sergeant John D. Hinton, winner of the Victoria Cross. (Applause.) Dr Trotter said he wished to convey to Gunner Wixon the feelings of admiration and affection which the people of Riverton felt towards him. The Maoris had always been great warriors and had distinguished themselves on many battlefields. Gunner Wixon and Sergeant Hinton had brought renown to themselves and the small settlement at Colac Bay. As a returned soldier from the last war he could not resist the temptation to attend the reception to Gunner Wixon, Mr Wachner said. It was a wonderful thing that the brotherhood of pakeha and Maori had been cemented by the sharing of honours in the, settlement of Colac Bay. He hoped that soldiers from that district would gain many more distinctions. On behalf of the Maori race, Mr J. Beaton addressed a welcome to the guest in the Maori tongue. HONOURS IN LAST WAR

It was a great occasion for Colac Bay to welcome back one of its heroes, Mr Whittingham said, in conveying the greetings of returned soldiers. Colac Bay soldiers had done well in the last war and had brought home three honours. Already in this war the district had gained two decorations. Mr Sturman said that as secretary and treasurer of patriotic activities in Southland he was glad to have an opportunity to pay tribute to the representatives of the native race in Colac Bay. The Maoris in New Zealand were the finest native race in the world and they were standing nobly on the British side and doing their share in the war. He also expressed best wishes for Gunner Wixon’s health and happiness. ■ In making a presentation on behalf of the residents to Gunner Wixon, the chairman said there were now 21 men from Colac Bay on active service. Mr Beaton also made a presentation on behalf of the Maori residents. Gunner Wixon replied, expressing his gratitude and his pleasure at being once more among his friends.