ROUSING WELCOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22063, 9 September 1941, Page 4

ROUSING WELCOME

Naval Men From Overseas

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Sept. 8. The citizens of Wellington t-'-ned out in strength at mid-day and gave a rousing welcome to a contingent of naval men who have been serving overseas. Headed by a band, the sailors marched along Lambton Quay and Willis Street to "re Town Hall, passing cheering crowds and being show l ered with confetti. They were entertained at luncl eon in the Town Hall, given jointly by the City Council and the Harbour Board.

The welcome of citizens was expressed by the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop) and Mr V. H. Price (chairman of the Harbour Board). The Government welcome and congratulations upon their splendid ecord overseas was expressed by the Hon. W. Easa and the Hon. F. Jones. A message fiom the First Lord of the Admir. !ty (Mr A. V. Alexander), warmly commending the officers and men Upon their magnificent war record, was read by Mr Nash. Captain Bevan replied. Among those present were Commodore Parry, Captain Fanshawe, Pay-master-captains N. T. P. Cooper and N. H. Dell, Wing-Cbmmander Bevan. A.D.C., Sir H_rry Batterbee, and Brigadier Weir, representing MajorGeneral E. Puttick.

The Hon. P. K. Taikea, on behalf of the Maori race, presented Captain Bevan with a korowai (chieftain’s mat). Mr Paikea said the Maoris followed the Navy's achievements because the N°v not only protect: 1 the pakeha but also guarded the Maori boys. The . :orowai he presented had been ser' by Princess Te Puea Herangi with greetings from King Koroki.'

Acknowledging the presentation, Captain levan said he Had the privilege of seeing ceme of their compatriots in the army and he also heatd expressed the high esteem in which they were held fcr their part in the Greek and Crete campaigns.