MANGATOKI HONORED.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 April 1919, Page 7

MANGATOKI HONORED.

POSTHUMOUS PRESENTATION OP MILITARY MEDAL. (From Our Own Correspondent.) There was a fine attendance of settlers and others at the Mangatoki Hall on Friday, the occasion being the visit of the Acting Premier, Sir James Allen, who was accompanied by Major Cox, Hawera. The school children lined the road outside the building, and as Sir James stepped from his car he was smartly saluted and then given three hearty cheers. Inside the hall the visitor presented to Mr. and Mrs. Booker the Military Medal won by their late son, Rifleman A. B. Booker. In the course of his remarks Sir James stated that it was a great pleasure to present the medal, but would have been greater still had the lad been present, but unfortunately the winner had died of wounds. "Won for bravery in the field" required no further interpellation. He mentioned that another Mangatoki man, Stade, had won the D.C.M., and he would receive the congratulations of all when he returned. Although a severe loss to Mr. and Mrs. Booker, it must be a consolation to them to know that their son had distinguished himself on the battlefield, and this brought further honor to the district. The medal he was presenting that day, he was sure, would be treasured by the parents, and they were all proud of the young soldier who left the district and died for his country. Mr. Wilkinson, in replying for the parents, said that no man could do more than give his life for his country, and Rifleman Booker had made the sacrifice, j Mangatoki during the war had made great sacrifices, and the women had done nobly. He wa9 proud to be representative of such a patriotic district. I