NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 June 1940, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS

POPULAR IN LONDON INTEREST IN THE MAORIS. GATHERINGS AT ADELPHI THEATRE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON, June 26. New Zealand troops on leave are now a familiar sight in London streets. One Maori drew great attention in fashionable Oxford Street when he took a violin from a white-haired old man wearing a badge of the last war and began to play classical music. The old man took the cap around and trebled his usual street takings within a few minutes. All the London newspapers publish a photograph of Mr Churchill shaking hands outside No. 10 Downing Street with an Aucklander, Lieutenant Noel Gibson, son of Mr Noel Gibson, headmaster of Dilworth School. Mr Churchill was leaving No. 10 for the House of Commons when he saw three New Zealand officers whom he greeted and talked with for several minutes. Lord Gifford then entertained the party to tea in the House of Lords. Hundreds of curious Londoners gathered outside the Adelphi Theatre when they heard the strains of Maori songs at a reception to New Zealand troops on leave by the High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, and other New Zealanders resident in London. Lord and Lady Willingdon and Mrs Freyberg were present. Lord Willingdon and Mr Jordan welcomed the troops. Maoris sang “Hoki Hoki,” a Maori battalion song, and were enthusiastically acclaimed. Well-known London artists entertained the troops. The Adelphi, which is almost next door to New Zealand House, has become the focal point for New Zealanders •on leave. New Zealanders are again seen at the haunts frequented by the soldiers of the last war, including the famous Chandos Bar near the Strand, where there is a unique counter consisting of one block of wood, on which hundreds of New Zealanders in the last war carved their names. The troops, after the reception, crowded the historic Haeremai corner at the Tivoli basement bar.. New Zealanders in London a few years ago subscribed for a brass plate to mark the corner, bearing the words “Haeremai, New Zealand Corner.” SIGHTSEEING TOUR SIR HUGH WALPOLE ACTS AS GUIDE. (Received This Day, 9.40 a.m.) LONDON, June 27. The novelist, Sir Hugh Walpole, acted as guide to a party of New Zealand soldiers sightseeing in London. Sir Hugh Walpole showed them over St Paul’s, the Tower of London, the House of Commons, Westminster Abbey, and many other sights. The New Zealand War Services Association also conducted parties on river trips and elsewhere