LADY MOUNTBATTEN IN WANGANUI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 85, 12 April 1946, Page 2

LADY MOUNTBATTEN IN WANGANUI

PARADE OF ST. JOHN AMBULANCE

A warm and enthusiastic welcome was accorded Lady Louis Mountbattea when, yesterday, she arrived in Wanganui by car from Wellington to inspect a parade of members of the Order of St. John and Red Cross Organisation. She was accompanied bj her personal secretary, Second Officei Sheila Taylor, W.R.N.S., Commander Pitts, of the South African Nava) Force, Mr. Frank B. Stephens, of the Department of Internal Affairs, and his secretary, Miss K. Healy. Arriving at the Veterans’ Steps, Maria Place, Lady Mountbatten was welcomed by Mr. W. Bourne, Assistant Commissioner of St. John, and Mr. W. D. Young, chairman of the Wanganui Red Cross Centre executive and escorted to the dais. The Mayor (the Hon. W. J. Rogers, M.L.C.) and officials of St. John and Red Cross, were presented to the distinguished visitor. Accompanied by Mr. Bourne, Lady Mountbatten inspected the nursing division and ambulance members of the Order of St. John, and then, accompanied by Sister Williams, inspected the Red Cross V.A.D.’s and transport section. In the Red Cross parade were members from Hunterville, Marton and Taihape. There were about 20 members of the Marton St. John organisation also present for the occasion. Ladv Mountbatten spoke words of greeting and shook hands with every member of the two units.

“It is a great pleasure and honour to welcome to Wanganui such a distinguished visitor as Lady Mountbatten,” said Mr. Rogers. “She is a very human lady, and the way she has marshalled her facts of the organisation is astonishing.”

Before acknowledging the welcome. Lady Mountbatten expressed the wish for the parades to break ranks and all come closer to the steps. This request was gladly acceded to and everyone gathered round in a huge half-circle. Ladv Mountbatten said it had given her great happiness to come to Wanganui. She had been here 11 years

ago. With a party she was driving through, and they had had a breakdown and were towed in by a resident. She would always remember the cups of tea, the friendship and kindness shown to her, also the wonderful scenery and the river. Remarking that New Zealand was the pioneer of the St. John Ambulance movement overseas, she said the Dominion, in proportion, held the highest record in St. John work. It was here in Wanganui, 22 years ago, that the ambulance formed the first cadet movement. She referred to the magnificent effort of New Zealand in the war and paid tribute to all who had helped in this effort. “I am a great believer in combined operations,” said Lady Mountbatten when mentioning the way in which the Red Cross and St. John had pulled together. They had been able to help the wounded and had given wonderful service. They had rendered a great contribution and hoped they would continue during the peace. Lady Mountbatten congratulated the units on their smart and spic and span appearance. She thanked all for what they had done in the past and for what they will do in the future, for wider fields of service lie ahead. Lady Mountbatten was later entertained at luncheon at the Rutland Hotel, where officials and representatives of St. John and Red Cross numbered over 150. The Rev. A. C. McLean, president of the Red Cross Centre, said grace. At the conclusion of lunch the Mayor called for three cheers and the gathering sang ‘‘For She’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” Photographs of Lady Mount bat ten’s visit at Veterans’ Steps, and Rutland luncheon, may be seen at Lampe’s Tesla Studios (the official photographers). Copies obtainable.*