Men of 2nd N.Z.E.F. Honoured by Large Gathering at N.P.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 August 1942, Page 2

Men of 2nd N.Z.E.F. Honoured by Large Gathering at N.P.

To honour members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. from New Plymouth and surrounding districts before their return to camp a large crowd lined Devon Street yesterday afternoon below the balcony of the Criterion Hotel, New Plymouth, where the soldiers and speakers representing public and semi-public bodies were assembled. "We are proud of these young men with us to-day," said the Mayor. Mr. E. R. C. Gilmour, on behalf of the . citizens of New Plymouth and surrouding districts. "We have every confidence that they will prove themselves worthy of New Zealand and worthy of the great traditions built up by the Anzacs ofthe Great War and by the new Anzacs of the present war." The Empire's history had been enriched by the deeds of New Zealanders, continued Mr. Gilmour, and the fame of their valour would never fade. "If remains for those of us at home to put into our tasks all our energy and determination," concluded Mr. Gilmour. "Let us always bear in mind the sacrifices our men have made and let us try to prove that we are worthy of those sacrifices." v Arduous days lay ahead, but he knew they were ready and eager for the job, said Mr. F. L. Frost, M.P. The promises that had been made for the period after the war must never be allowed ' to degenerate into idle words. He would like to see the "people's charter" of social reforms, as enumerated recently by the Archbishop of Canterbury, put into effect. "After the war you can help to build up an organisation which will be a power in the land," said the president of the R.S.A., Mr. F. H. Muirhead. Mr. George Gibson spoke on behalf of the South African war. veterans. Representing the Maori race, Mr. George Koea extended greetings, referring particularly to Maori Battalion members of the group. "There is a job to be done, and you can rest assured we will do it," said Sergeant D. L. Falwasser, replying on behalf of the soldiers. The benediction was pronounced by Archdeacon F. G. Evtos. After the ceremony ;the soldiers, with relatives, were guests of the New Plymouth Victoria League 'at afternoion tea.