WILLOCHRA'S WOUNDED

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2503, 2 July 1915, Page 6

WILLOCHRA'S WOUNDED

ABLE TO GO TO THEIR HOMES. The Minister of Public Health (the Hon. R. Heaton Rhodes) made flie following statement yesterday with reference to the sick and wounded soldiers who are returning by the s.s. Willochra, which is due to. arrive'in AVellington during the second week of this month: — "The Defence Department has now been advired that the condition of the majority of the sick and wounded coming by "that boat is such as to enable them to bo removed to their'homes on arrival in New Zealand. While the Government very heartily appreciates the good wishes and aid of those persons all over the Dominion who have offered lor immediate use convalesccnt, homes and room for convalescents, we are of opinion that the wishes of the next-of-kin in regard to those who are fit to travel after -liscinbarkation should receive foremost consideration. A circular letter was therefore sent out to the lioxt-of-kin on Wednesday, asking what their desires may he. When replies'are received to this circular the Department will be in a better position to arrange for the conveyance of patients either to their friends, to hospitals, or to some of Ihe bouses that have been so generously offered for the reception '-f convalescents.'' Speaking, to a Dominion reporter Inst nijlit,- Mi'. Rhodes said that every endeavour would be made to send flie patients to the port nearest thoir homes; possibly, by the Willochra ..