CIVIC RECEPTION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 February 1943, Page 2

CIVIC RECEPTION

TO UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS GATHERING THIS MORNING. ADDRESSES OF WELCOME. A civic welcome to members of the United States Marine Corps was tendered on behalf of the people of Masterton by the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan, at a gathering held this morning. There were present, besides Mr Jordan, the Mayoress,Mrs T. Jordan, Mr R. E. Gordon Lee, chairman of the Masterton, ,Cpun,ty Council, and Mrs Lee, Mr G. T. O'Hara Smith, Town Clerk, and Mr J. C. D. Mackley, County Clerk. Colonel R. H. Pepper, officer commanding, welcomed the official party and introduced the speakers, who briefly addressed the men. Mr Jordan paid a tribute to President Roosevelt and said he hoped that his humanising influence would be felt after the peace that was'to come. He expressed the wish that the Marines would have an enjoyable stay in the district and while on leave mix with the people as knowledge was the foundation of understanding and understanding was the foundation of real friendship. Stating that there were large open spaces in New Zealand, Mr Jordan said, there were not enough people to the square acre and it was possible that many of the visitors would take a fancy to the country. There could be no better people than those from the United States to settle here. Mr Jordan referred to the fine qualities of the native race before they were spoilt by contact with Europeans. He apologised for the fact that the Marines were being plundered by the young New Zealanders. He hoped that the visitors did not get the impression that the souvenir hunters had no money. As a kindness to the youngsters, the parents and the Marines, Mr Jordan urged them to be less liberal in meeting such demands. “On behalf of the people of Masterton my message is ‘good health and good luck,’ said Mr Jordan, who offered the Marines every assistance possible. Mr Lee extended a welcome to the men on behalf of the county and offered them the assistance of the county and the Masterton A. and P. Association in having interested men shown ovei’ the farms in the district. Colonel Pepper returned thanks. At the conclusion of the gathering the Marine band played the American and British National Anthems and afterwards gave a spirited musical programme. The visitors were shown around and were very favourably impressed with all they saw.