VISIT TO HAWERA.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1920, Page 4

VISIT TO HAWERA.

A CIVIC RECEPTION. General Birdwood reached Hawera on Saturday morning about 11.30, being met on bis arrival at {lie Winter Show by the Mayor (Mr. E, Dixon) and the president of the E.S.A. (Mr. W. V. Patterson). The Citizens' Band played the distinguished visitor to the Opera' House, where he was awaited by a record crowd, the National Anthem being played on his arrival there. The Mayor said they were delighted to have the general in their presence, and the occasion would be long remembered by every resident of the town* The heroic deeds of Gallipoli would always be associated in their minds with Sir William Birdwood. (Applause.) In the British Army thoy had generals of whom they were proud because they were great soldiers, but in Sir William they had a general of generals. He wag a great soldier, and, beßt of all, his heart beat in sympathy with those who suffered, and it was this that had brought out some of the best qualities of the men. Whenever GeneTal Birdwood had been in the lead the boya had always been ready to follow— even to death. At the invitation of thfe' Mayor, thd audience showed their hearty appreciation; of the General's , visit. wiui applause and lusty cheers. Mr. Patterson, in welcoming Sir Wff. Birdwood on behalf of the returned soldiers, said they recognised that leadership had been responsible for the good deeds done. General Birdwood, on rising to respond, wa,s accorded a great outburst of applause. He said he was glad ta be able to be present, as ho felt great sympathy for country people, whom he; considered made the best soldiers. He pointed' out that the Peninsula campaign had served its purpose, and had not been a failure. He paid a tribute to the New Zealand boys, who were regarded as gentlemen as well aa good fighters. At the conclusion cheer* were given for and Miss Birdwood, and for the returned soldiers; General Sir William .Birdwood was then entertained to lundi at the Central Hotel, there being present:. Mr, E. Dixon, Mayor,of Hawera; Mr. J. B. Murdoch, chairman of the Hawera County Council; A. lees, president of the T»ranaki Rugby Union; Major Cox, and Mr. W. V: Patterson. The "party then attended the representative- football match. General Birdwood was entertained to dinner at „the Central Hotel, afterwards, visiting the Dominion Show.