HOME AGAIN

Press, Volume LV, Issue 16426, 21 January 1919, Page 6

HOME AGAIN

ARRIVAL OF RTJAHINE'S DRAFT OF SOLDIERS. ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) AUCKLAND, January 20. The transport Ruahine arrived early this afternoon from London with a draft of over 700 officers, nurses, and men. The vessel was berthed about 3 p.m., when the work of medically boarding her complement was immediately proceeded with. The Southern inen wero dealt with first, in order to despatch them for their homes bv special train. . Tho troops on board the Ruahine wero in charge of Lieut.-Colonel _ . H Cunningham, D.5.0., and Lieu L- . H. T. D. Acland, C.M.G., was principal medical officer. The Ruahine wals the first vessel with oversea troops returning home to negotiate the English Channel since the signing of tho armistice, and the Mayor and Aldermen of Tilbury marked the occasion by giving the troops a heartv farewell. Over 800 British troops assembled at the docks, and massed bands played as tho ship steamed off. No leave was granted at Colon, but at* Balboa the American Red Cross Society sent quantities of fruit and sweets on board. Educational classes were held throughout the trip. One man—Private Cox, of Timaru— died during the voyage, and was buried at sea. On arrival here there were only six cot cases in the vessel, a reduction of ten on the number of cot cases taken on board in England.