WELCOME HOME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 32, Issue 3291, 21 July 1943, Page 4

WELCOME HOME

FIREMAN HAROLD MOORE MET BY THE BRIGADE \ '____, FUNCTION SATURDAY MORNING When Fireman H. A. Moore arrived in Paeroa shortly after noon on. Saturday, having been invalided home from the Middle East, he was greeted at the Te Aroha bridge (Criterion bridge), Paeroa, by members' of the •Paeroa Volunteer Fire ■ Brigade with hearty cheers and hand-clasps. Also there to welcome him were His Worship the Mayor, Mr Edwin Edwards, and the Acting-Town Clerk, Mr A. A. Jenkinson. Mounted high above the fire-engine was a banner bearing in large letters the words: “Welcome Home” and the motor was gay with numerous flags. Fireman Moore had just 'been brought to New Zealand by hospital ship, and to Frankton by hospital train where he had been met by members of his family. Welcome At Fire Station The decorated fire engine with the brigade aboard led the way, its bell ringing joyous peals all the journey through the main street, to the Fire Station in Hall street. Here the Deputy-Mayor, Mr H. M. Shand, the chairman of the Fire Council, Mr J. Walmsley, and. other members of the public joined in a brief welcome function. The gathering was presided over by Foreman C. W. Malcolm of the Paeroa Brigade who stated that the occasion was not one for lengthy speeches nor for delay in allowing the guest of honour to proceed to his home. It had been thought fitting, however, to mark this red-letter occasion in the history of the brigade, as was being done. Fireman Harold Moore, he said, had been a splendid fireman, a splendid personal friend of

school and Territorial days, and was now one of that splendid company of New Zealand men who had, by their achievements overseas, attained greatness. “ Young Shorty ” They had gone to do a job for us, continued Foreman Malcolm, and the whole world was aware of the magnificent manner in which they had done it. The toast to the guest of the occasion was honoured with enthusiasm, the company joining in “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow.” heartily. His Worship the Mayor next spoke briefly, paying tribute to “Young Shorty,” who, he said, was a Paeroa boy, bom here, educated at the local school and always prominent in every form of sport, as well as contributing in no small way to his family’s splendid record of service in the Fire Brigade. The Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, thanked Mr Moore for the service for which he had volunteered overseas and most cordially welcomed him home. Escorted To His Home Superintendent W. J. Moore spoke on behalf of the family and of his eon, to say how happy the occasion was for them and to thank all those who had participated in such a fine welcome home. Preceded by the fire engine once more the happy procession made its

way via the main street, Victoria Street, and Wood street to the returning soldier’s own home where the long journey had its fitting ending in the ‘‘way they have in the Fire Brigade.”