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Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2517, 19 July 1915, Page 6

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e — WOUNDED SOLDIERS REACH THEIR NATIVE TOWNS WELCOME TO THE HEROES (By Telegraph—Special Oorn.SDonftenU Masterton, July 18. Eight returning wounded soldiers wero accorded an enthusiastic reception at Carterton and Masterton yesterday. Thoy were motored through from Carterton to Masterton, and were mot by the Territorials, Citizens' Defence Force, Cadets, Hualiiue Regimental Band, and tho Caledonian Pipe Band. The were lined by thousands of people, who cheered the soldiers as t'bey arrived at Masterton. The town was gaily dressed in bunting, business was suspended, and everybody - was determined to do honour to the heroes of Gallipoli. From the balcony of the Club Hotel striking speeches were made by the Mayor (Mr. Ooradine), Sir. G. R. S.vlies, M.P., and Mr. Hugh Morrison, while the crowd cheered and cheered again, and as tho Regimental Band played "Home, Sweet Home" the climax was brought to one of the most thrilling and inspiring incidents that have been witnessed in the Wairarapa. The soldiers and their relatives wero subsequently entertained at luncheon in tho C.lub Hotel. WOODVILLE'S IIERU. (By Telefrrapli—Press Association.) Woodville, July 17,. Driver Fred Carson, who was wounded on Gallipoli Peninsula, and returned to tho Dominion by the Willochra, arrived at Woodville on Saturday afternoon. He had a great reception, fully a thousand people being present. Speeches of welcome were delivered by tho Mayor (Mr. Hughes), the County Chairman, Mr. Escott, M.P., Lieuten-ant-Colonel Stevenson, and Bishop Sedgwick. All spoke highly of tho action of Driver Carson, who had dono his best for the honour of the Empire in her time of need. It was an honour to Woodville, which was represented hv sixty men at the front. The band turned out and tho town was gay with bunting. SCENES -AT CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch, July 17. The Willochra, with the southern section of the-wounded men, arrived at Lyttelton (it 3.45 p.m. to-day. The official reception tools place at .Lyttelton, whore short addresses of welcome were given by the chairman of the-Lyttelton Harbour Board, tho Mayor of Lyttelton, the Mayor of Christchurch, tho president of the Navy League, and the president of tho Veterans' Association. The men were transferred to a special train, which was waiting on the wharf, and brought through to Christchurch. Thoro was a largo cro-wd at Lyttelton to welcome the men back, and another large gathering at Christchurch railway station. Provision was made for 200 beds in the ambulanco train, but only three were required, the patients being Sergeant-Major Keen, N.Z.S.C., LanceCorporal J. Menzies, and Private P. G. Willis. Keen is suffering from rheumatism, and tho other two from wounds. Tho following men will stay at Christchurch Hospital to-night; ScjgtantMajor. Keen, Corporal Pickering,; and Privates Isherwood, 1?. B. Adcock, H. E. Dudfield, A. J. Northcote, A. C. Armstrong, E. A. Wheeler, C. Gough, J. Menzies, Willis, Thompson, and Walker, whilst Private G. Horbert will go to a private hospital. . 'ARRIVAL AT DUNEDIN. ' Dunedin, July 18. The Willochra, with wounded soldiers, arrived at Port Chalmers early this morning. Two special trains were put on for tlio convenience of tho military authorities and the public, but tEe lat-; ter, owing to tho short timo for notification, was scantily patronised. The military officials went outside tho Heads ili a motor launch, and made all arrangements, so that on the arrival of the Hospital Ship at tlio port the invalided soldiers wero able to disembark. All ambulance arrangements were made. About a dozen were able to leave, carrying their kits. Others limped, or appeared in bandages, and only four or live were.carried on to the ambulances. These were watched in silence, but the others were loudly cheered. Tho debarkation was completed in less than an hour.