WELCOME HOME FUNCTION

Southland Times, Issue 25746, 9 August 1945, Page 6

WELCOME HOME FUNCTION

V.C. WINNER PRESENT

An enthusiastic reception was given to Sergeant J. D. Hinton, V.C,, when he was introduced to those present at a welcome home function arranged by the Invercargill Metropolitan Farewell and Welcome Home Committee and held in H. and J. Smith’s tea rooms last night. In introducing Sergeant Hinton the chairman, Mr D. W. Stalker, said he had won the greatest honour the British Empire had to bestow and had been honoured by the King. The company rose and sang “For He’" a Jolly Good Fellow,” after which Sergeant Hinton briefly acknowledged the welcome.

A special welcome was also extended by the Mayoress, Mrs A. Wachner, to three Canadian brides. “Our airmen did something else besides flying planes in Canada,” said Mrs Wachner amidst laughter. There was a large attendance of exservicemen and their next-of-kin at the function.

Mr W. Bell, president of the Invercargill branch of the R.S.A., said he was particularly pleased to see so many prisoners of war present. It had corne as a great relief to everyone in the Dominion to learn that so many New Zealanders had been released by the advancing armies. Half of the R.S.A. executive were now former members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F., and it would not be long before the old “diggers” stood aside and let the younger men do the work. He felt they had an organization that was worth while and they should be proud to join it. But if they did not join and experienced any difficulties the R.S.A. would try to help just as if they were members. Welcomes were also extended to the men by Mr Stalker, the Mayor, Mr Wachner, and Lieutenant-Colonel A. R. Cockerell.

Replying on behalf of the returned men, Captain A. F. G. McGregor expressed appreciation of the patriotic efforts, and said that many of them had the. Red Cross organization to thank for their existence. “The Red Cross,” he said, “was our mother while we were in captivity.” Pilot Officer Morrison (Air Force), Sub-Lieutenant R. Weston (Fleet Air Arm) and Leading Rating Andrews (Merchant Navy) also replied. Items were given by Mrs L. R. Christie, Terence Burtenshaw, Miss Madge Race, Miss Jean Hoare, Mr W. Bloy, Mr E. G. L. Adamson and Mr N. F. Sansom. Miss Dulcie McDougall was the accompanist.