Civic Reception At Historic Place

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 13, Issue 10, 20 October 1948, Page 5

Civic Reception At Historic Place

Mr B. S. Barry, Mayor of Whaka- ' tane, officially welcomed Whaka--tane’s distinguished visitors at his- ■ toric Pohaturoa Rock where, he explained, the old-time Maori people used to welcome warrior chieftains returning from their wars. Sir Bernard’s military exploits in “both world wars v/ere well-known, 'Mr Barry said, and the town was •doubly honoured to welcome the King’s representative and the leader of New Zealand’s troops to victory in the war just past. It was fitting that the historic rock should be the place for welcoming a man who had led so many * of Whakatane’s sons to victorjr on the field of battle. The Mavor asked His Excellency to convey to His. Majesty ■ the King an assurance of the dis- • trict’s loyalty to the British Crown and the Commonwealth. ' County’s Greeting On behalf of residents of the Whakatane County, the County Council chairman, Mr J. L. Burnett, welcomed Sir Bernard and Lady Frevberg, not only in their Vice-Regal., capacity, but as people who had both contributed greatly to New ’ Zealand’s effort in the last war. Sir Bernard, he said, would always be remembered in this country as a notable soldier and in par- .• ticular as leader of the 2 N.Z.E.F. in the last war. Notable, too, was Lady Freyberg’s magnificent effort in canteen organisation in the Middle East, It had been comforting to know that young New Zea- ‘ landers overseas were able to enjoy that hospitality and relaxation in - their periods of respite frQm the rgrim scenes of battle., . . .. ,■;

Always A Friend

Mr D. S. Wilson, president of the Whakatane branch of the R.S.A., said he and his comrades felt proud to welcome the man who had led the New Zealand Division through its arduous campaigns in the recent wai\ not only on account of his great personal gallantry and qualities of leadership, but on account of the fact that he was always a friend to those who served under him. Here Mr Wilson quoted instances of Sir Bernard’s consideration in those small things that were of importance to the lower ranks. He also referred to Lady Freyberg’s efforts to achieve the organisation and smooth running of the New Zealand Services Club, and said that on account of those efforts she would always have a special place in the hearts of returned servicemen of this country. A Good Start In his reply, His Excellency said he and Lady Freyberg considered themselves singularly fortunate in that, before taking up their present duties, they had had the chance of six years’ close association with 100,000 New Zealanders, so that, no matter where they went -in this country, they met people they knew. The welfare work that had been referred to by the other speakers had not been the work of one man or one woman. Its success had been due to the efficiency of a people brought up in a way that was essentially practical. There, was no job New Zealanders did that they did not do well.

Want To Come Back Sir Bernard expressed regret at the shortness of their stay, but gave an assurance that they would be back. For his part, there were two very good reasons: He wanted to look over the Board Mills that had contributed so much during wartime and he wanted to enjoy some recreation on Bay of Plenty beaches, which he claimed were amongst the best swimming beaches in the world. He thanked the A.T.C. guard under Pilot Officer B. Dodds, and the Boys’ Band, which had taken part in the welcome.