IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 4 February 1942, Page 4

IMPRESSIVE CEREMONY

PRESENTATION OF V.C. SERGEANT HULME DECORATED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) NELSON, February 3. What was probably the largest and most representative parade that has been held in Nelson took place last evening, when the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, decorated Sergeant A. C. Hulme with the Victoria Cross for gallantry in Crete. The Home Guard provided the guard of honour. His Excellency said that New Zealand and the Empire were living in dangerous times. War was no longer the job only of the professional soldier and sailor but responsibility rested on each member of the community. He thanked the guard of honour. The Home Guard was today fulfilling a very important function in the defence of the country and was an integral part of the defence system. He appealed to othei’ citizens to follow their example and join in assisting in the defence of their country. He urged the men to train on. Don’t think it can’t happen here,” his Excellency said. “That is all nonsense. It can happen here. I don’t say it will, but it is less likely if we are ready.” The Governor-General congratulated the E.P.S. in its various branches. The most likely form of attack, he said, was from the air, when the enemy would endeavour to damage and burn cities; Therefore it was the job of everyone to know how to put out an incendiary bomb or succour the injured. He congratulated all on the turnout and size of the parade. His Excellency' said it was his duty to invest with the Victoria Cross a very gallant soldier and citizen of the Nelson district. “Let this gallant soldier be an example to us in times of trouble,” he said. After reading the official citation, the Governor-General pinned the Victoria Cross on Sergeant Hulme’s uniform, and at the call of the Mayor, Mr E. R. Neale, three rousing) cheers were given by the big crowd.