AIR MARSHAL WELCOMED

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28270, 7 May 1957, Page 2

AIR MARSHAL WELCOMED

Empire Society’s Function

“In my job I cover the Empire and am continuously in the air. So far the only Commonwealth country that I have not visited is Canada, and I understand that within a fortnight of returning home I shall be going there.” said Air Marshal Sir Andrew McKee, officer commanding in chief, Royal Air Force Transport Command, when he, addressed members of the Royal Empire Society, the Navy League, the Victoria League, the English Speaking Union, and the Overseas League at a function in his honour at Elizabeth House last evening. Air Marshal McKee and Lady, McKee, members of the Comet crew, and officers of the Air Marshal’s staff were welcomed to the function by the president of the Royal Empire Society (Mr R. R. Livingstone (and the vice-presi-dents, Mrs S. Gpulden. MajorGeneral G. B. Parkinson, and Mr A. F. Excell. The function was sponsored by the Royal Empire Society.

“On a flight such as ours you leave green fields behind in England and do not see them again till you reach New Zealand,” said Air Marshal McKee. “I would like to say how glad I am to be home in my own country and to see all of you.” Sir Andrew McKee thanked members of 'the Overseas League for their hospitality to non-com-missioned members of his crew.

Welcoming Air Marshal McKee. Mr Livingstone said: “We are proud to honour him as a citizen of Christchurch and one who has risen to the top in the services.” Among the official guests were Group Captain S. H. Taylor (R.A.F.), Group Captain T. J. de Lange (officer commanding the R.N.Z.A.F. station, Wigram) and Mrs de Lange. Wing Commander D. Morgan (Transport Command air movements officer), Squadron Leaders H. King (personal staff officer), R. H. Hale, signals officer, D. Harper (captain of the Comet), E. Batchelor (air staff officer), and L. Moody (R.N.Z.A.F.).

Before the function, Air Marshal McKee, members of his crew, and staff officers were entertained by the Christchurch Brevet Club and addressed members on the Comet and the work of Transport Command. The official welcoming party included Mrs Redmond Neill (president of the Victoria League), Mrs H. Wyatt (president of the English Speaking Union), Mr A. I Cottrell (president of the Overseas League), and Mr Peter. Hall (president of the Navy League).