BACK FROM SAMOA

Dominion, Volume 7, Issue 2255, 15 September 1914, Page 6

BACK FROM SAMOA

MONOWAI IN PORT. Troopship No. 2, otherwise the s.s. Monowai, arrived unexpectedly in Wellington Harbour shortly before 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon, and a little later berthed at the 'King's Wharf. The transport arrived back in New Zealand from Samoa on Saturday, putting in first at Auckland. She left that port at 10 p.m. on Saturday, and reached Wellington' after an exceedingly good run of linden 42 hours. So unexpected was the arrival of' the vessel at Wellington yesterday that hardly a soul was waiting on the wharf to welcome back the detachment of Wellington troops, about 50 in number, who returned with the Monowai. Tho men were in charge of Lieutenant L. M. Liardet, sth Regiment, and other officers on board were Chaplain-Colonel W. S. Bean; of Christchurch, and Surgeon-Captain A. C. M'Killop, Wellington. AVhen the troopship tied up, tho' medically fit were allowed to land, but the others were detained on board, waiting examination by the Defence Medical Board. There was some dissatisfaction at this circumstance, but no examination took place last night, so the men had to wait on board during tho night. Tho Medical Board will examine thorn at 8.30 this morning, and at 9.30 all will parade at tho Drill-hall, Buckle Street. Included in those who returned from Samoa were tho following:—Auckland— Privates R. A. Hunt, E. Kecldell, W. A. M'Kenzie, Taylor, Kearney, A. W. Small, G. Raynes, P. Kennerley, C. Henderson, W. Honderson, A. E Budd. H. Trevarthen, L. D. Ross. These Auckland men went off at Auckland. Wellington contingenters ineludod:— Sergt. Davidson, Corporals West,'Aitken, Lance-Corporal Studolph, Privates' Alley, Budd, Long, Hirst,' Payne (2), Casey, Barlowe, Lundon, Nation, Hand, E. Mercer, Peterson, Rogers, Wilman B. E. Mercer, Fulton, Tidma.n, w! Baker, Hickson, Small, Marsh, Stevens, Dayley, Symos, Banks, Wiseloy, Lush, Haigh, J. Winters, Gunner Meyer, D Battery. Thonq n»on who nro jvilluig oxßs§t te_b?_ into the

Main Expeditionary Force, whilo others will probably bo paid off this morning. Although no announcement ha-s been made to that 'effect, the men who have returned state that it iB tho intention to reduco the garrison at Samoa by a certain number every month. For the most part tho returned members of the force, whilo sorry that their services have only extended over a month are glad'-'to bo back in New- Zealand. After the winter here they found the tropical heat very trying, and they had by no means an easy time while away. After landing tflioy state that on several occasions they slept in their clothes, and woro roused on occasions by falso alarms. Nothing of a highly exciting nature took place while they were at tho Islands. The landing at Apia has already been fully doscribed. On the voyage back they encountered good weather, and had an enjoyable time. Tho many gifts showered on.-the Expeditionary Force prior to its departure from New Zealand were, appreciated by the men on the outward voyage, especially fruit and preserves. The men stato that they had an ample supply of provisions, but they were given too much moat, and not enough vegetables, so the fruit was doubly welcome. The goodwill of the Islanders towards the members of the Expeditionary Force was shown in the large numbers of Island curios and mementoes which yesterday's body brought back with them.

The ship's officers on the Monowai had a particularly . busy time whilo away with the Force. After the arrival at Apia it was found that tho Uhinose. coolies, some 2000 odd on the island, !were in pore straits for food, and the vessel' was ordered back to ■Suva for rice. Tho journey was accomplished, under escort from a British cruiser.