Cook Is, Soldiers
p. 19 · Read in the full issue
Welcomed
From Our Own Correspondent
Rarotonga, Dec 1
A TREMENDOUS welcome was given to three Cook Islands men who re cently returned to Rarotonga on leave from the Middle East. Their stay of several weeks on the island was marked by a succession of “umukai” (native feasts), receptions and dances such as has not been known for many years. The soldiers, all men of the 2nd NZEF, were:— R. S. M. James Rennie, NZMC.
Pte. Arthur Estall.
Pte. Willie Rupe.
Sgt.-Major Rennie was taken prisoner by Rommel’s forces for five days during
a desert battle; Pte. Estall suffered shock when a bomb exploded near his lorry' and killed the man next to him; and Pte. Rupe was wounded near Mount Olympus, but escaped to tell the tale.
Most of the native speakers at these functions emphasised that the people of the Cook Islands feel uniformly proud that these men and other Cook Islanders, who have not yet been fortunate enough to return, have upheld overseas the name of their little country.
The three men were given special extended leave by New Zealand to visit their relations at home before returning to duty.
The Bishop of New Guinea (the Rt.
Rev. P. N. W. Strong) returned to his diocese, from Australia, in December.