VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN “DIGGERS”

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 121, 25 May 1938, Page 6

VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN “DIGGERS”

WANGANUI HAS A PART TO PLAY PROBABLY 10,000 VISITORS COMING. An indication that the Wanganui Returned Soldiers’ Association intends to play its part in entertaining the Australian “Diggers” on their visit to New Zealand in the centenary year, 1940, was given at a gathering of members of the Wanganui R.S.A. Tin Hat Club last night. It was mentioned that probably 10,000 Australians would want to come to New Zealand, and to harbour such a number in one centre like Wellington would not be possible. Mr. A. W. Larsen, speaking on behalf of the Wanganui “Diggers” who visited Sydney, said that the matter certainly rested with the headquarters of the association in New Zealand, but local associations like Wanganui had to be prepared ‘o do their share. “We will endeavour to go one better than the Australians did in the way of hospitality,” he said, “but they have set us a hard task. It behoves each association to invite a certain number of Australian ‘Diggers’ to visit it. I am safe in saying that at least 120 names are down to come to Wanganui already.” “It is certainly up to us in New Zealand to return the hospitality extended to our members in Australia,” said Mr. W. H. Cannan, president of the Wanganui R.S.A. “I will certainly recommend to the incoming committee of our association in Wanganui that it plays its part.”