WELCOMED TO THE CITY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 5, 6 January 1940, Page 8

WELCOMED TO THE CITY

THANKFULNESS EXPRESSED BIG SHIP TO PROTECT NEW | ZEALAND TROOPS ' Al the civic and district reception to l men from H.M.S. Ramillies to WangaI nui yesterday, thankfulness was expressed by the three speakers, the Mayor (Mr. W. J. Rogers), the chairman of the Waitotara County Council (Mr. W. Morrison), and Mr. Hori Takarangi, representing the Maori race, at the presence of so big a man-o’-war to protect the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in convoy. More than 300 people attended the reception, which was given on the lawn at the racecourse, the people occupying the steps and grandstand and the visiting ratings the lawn itself. WANGANUI DELIGHTED The Mayor expressed the delight of the citizens of Wanganui that the officers and men of the Ramillies had been able to come to Wanganui for a brief visit, which he regretted could not be longer. He hoped they woulu leave with the happiest recollections. All would agree, said Mr. Rogers, that the people of New Zealand owed a debt oi gratitude to the British Navy for responding so readily to the call for an escort for troops leaving for overseas. It was indeed an honour that a battleship of the Ramillies type, with its 1100 officers and men. should come to the Dominion. It was gratifying to know that the men who were about to leave New Zealand were to be safeguarded by such a line ship. Mr. Morrison welcomed the visitors, for the country districts and said it was regrettable that they would not I 'have time to see something of the | farming community. He referred to I the part the Navy played in safeI guarding the primary produce of New I Zealand which was so necessary for I the prosecution of the war. He wished | the visitors a safe return. PUT THEM ON THE MAT “I am sorry, all my people are sorry, that you could not have stayed longer,” said Mr. Takarangi, whose speech was made in Maori and was interpreted by Mr. T. Mete Kingi. “Had you been able to do so, not omy would my people have been able to show you something of the Wanganui River, but we would have put you on the mat, too.” (Laughter and applause). Lieutenant-Commander M. Dewar returned thanks for the enthusiastic welcome given the men and said it was typical of welcomes given else-1 where. "We have taken some time to get here," he said.” When we get our orders they were welcome and we were glad of the opportunity to do some good job at a time like this.” BELIEF ED THEY WERE IN A BACKWATER “At one time we thought we were in a backwater and not quite pulling our weight," he added. “However, we were glad to come out in such an 'excellent cause to take an expedi- ! tionary force overseas. It is a mag[nificent effort that people so far from i England should turn out again and J I again. We had another instance when i I the Archilies did so marvellously.” r Lieutenant - Commander Dewar : again thanked the people of Wanganui for their welcome and called for three cheers, which were lustily given. INTERNAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRIP THREE REPRESENTATIVES ON THE TRAIN The conveyance of 300 officers and ; men of the battleship Ramillies to > Wanganui yesterday by special train j was done under the supervision of the I Department of Internal Affairs. Three * officers of that department were on the train—Mr. A. G. Harper, Mr. R. J. i Bending and Mr. E. F. Armstrong. These three co-operated with the , Railways Department in taking the men away from Wellington and getting them back there in time to re- . join the ship last night.