TEMUKA WARM WELCOME HOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CL, Issue 22064, 10 September 1941, Page 8

TEMUKA WARM WELCOME HOME

Invalided Soldiers

Civic Reception

There was no mistaking the warmth of the welcome which was extended by Temuka residents to Privates G. Harvey and N. V. Turner who returned from the Middle East recently.

A civic welcome was extended to the men by the Mayor (Mr W. H. McMillan) at the Post Office, which was decorated with flags. The Mayor’s speech was frequently punctuated by warm applause and when the two soldiers responded they were given a magnificent reception. The station, which was festooned with bright bunting, was packed to capacity and when the train arrived, members of the Women’s Patriotic Committee distributed fruit and cigarettes to the soldier patients. All patriotic organisations were represented as well as the R.S.A. The Municipal and Pipe Bands led the cars bearing the soldiers from the station to the Post Office. Business premises closed at 11 a.m., to enable employees to be present.

In extending a welcome to the returned men, the Mayor said that it was unnecessary for him to dwell on the heroic episode of Greece and Crete where New Zealanders. Maori and pakeha alike, had proved their manhood. “We are proud of the job you have done over there, and with heart-

felt gratitude we say, thank you.” It was not the lot of all to be engaged in the front line of battle as the huge war machine had to be oiled, greased and repaired, and communications maintained. “Since you men have been ■ overseas we at home have not been unmindful of our duty to make plans for the rehabilitation of returned men; The Canterbury Patriotic Council has set aside £70,000 for this purpose and the amount required for this district will be available as it is needed. The local authority will see that your civilian status will, as far as is humanly possible, be restored to you. We know the Government means to do its duty by you and the local authority will see that you get a generous deal. A thousand welcomes to you and heartfelt thanks for the splendid job you have accomplished.” The president of the Temuka R.S.A. (Mr G. Harris) greeted the men on behalf Sf the Association, and said it brought back memories of the time when he, with others, was welcomed by the then mayor, Mr T. Gunnion. He hoped that during the present war the custom would be continued. To the men Mr Karris said that the RS.A. would do everything possible to safeguard their interests. He hoped that they would be repatriated into -ivil life as quickly as possible. No matter what their physical disabilities were he was sure that New Zealand would find a worthy place for them.