PRIDE & JOY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1940, Page 5

PRIDE & JOY

IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE ACHILLES SPEECHES AT OFFICIAL LUNCHEON. TRIBUTES PAID TO CAPTAIN & CREW. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, February 23. Speaking on behalf of the Prime Minister, Mr Savage, the Government and people of New Zealand, at the civic reception to the officers and men of the Achilles, Mr Fraser extended a hearty welcome to the ship’s company. He said that knowing officers and men, it was expected they would live up to the very highest traditions of the Royal Navy, but in this great battle they had exceeded anything that could have been expected either by enemy of friend.

Mr Fraser read a cablegram from the British Government and the Government of the Commonwealth of Australia joining in the welcome. “A feeling of pride swept through France when news of the victory off the River Plate was known,” said M. Pouquet, Consul for France, who said France shared in the admiration for the exploit. He said that France had not forgotten the soldiers of New Zealand who had endeared themselves to the inhabitants of her towns and villages 25 years ago. ‘‘This battle is only another proof of what New Zealanders still can do and will do : They mean business,” added M. Pouquet, amid loud applause. MESSAGE FROM FRANCE. A cablegram received that morning by Captain Parry from the French Minister of Marine, M. Campinchi, was translated and read by M. Pouquet as follows: “The French Navy shares the enthusiasm of the Royal Navy oi New Zealand when the cruiser Achilles returned to its base. It is glad to send to the captain, officers and ship’s company its expression of deep admiration for the magnificent victory off the River Plate.” CAPTAIN PARRY ACCLAIMED. Ac Captain Parry rose to speak, saluting the crowd, there were loud cheers, and when the singing of “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” was started by someone in the crowd it was taken up with enthusiasm. This was followed by more cheers, so that it was some minutes before Captain Parry could begin to speak. He kept the crowd enthralled with his description of the experience of the ship’s company during the battle, and spoke in most generous terms of the quality and morale of the men. .

At the conclusion of the speech the Mayor called for three cheers for Captain Parry and his officers and men. This was taken up by tens of thousands of people within range of the loudspeakers, and there were further cheers for the wives and mothers of the men who, the Mayor said, had passed through a very anxious lime while the ship was away. The singing of the National Anthem by the great gathering concluded the civic welcome.

The following telegram has been sent to Sir Ernest Davis, Mayor of Auckland, by the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Hamilton: —

“Only unavoidable engagaments prevent my being in Auckland to attend the welcome home of the Achilles. I would be' grateful if you will extend to Captain W. E. Parry and the crew of the Achilles my regret at not being able to share personally in their wonderful homecoming. Their action which brought success to the Empire and honour to the name New Zealander has thrilled us all. Today we can express our pride and joy at the manner in which our New Zealand men did thenduty and maintained our heritage. We can also, even in this hour of welcome, take the opportunity to pay publicly a tribute to those who made the supreme sacrifice in this action. Their memory is imperishable in our history. These men of the Achilles join, our airmen and soldiers in putting New Zealand where she should be in this war and where she will continue to be till tyranny and aggression are overthrown.”