RETURNING FROM THE FRONT

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2608, 2 November 1915, Page 6

RETURNING FROM THE FRONT

WILLOCHRA'S WOUNDED. RECEPTION AT TOWN HALL THIS MORNING The Wellington and North Island soldiers who returned from the front by tho Willoclira will arrive here this morning by tho Monowai. They are expected to disembark at tho King's Wharf at about 10.30 a.m., and all thoso who are able to do so are invited to attend a reception in 'heir lionour to take placo at tho Town Hall at 11 a.m. The soldiers will bo convoyed from tho wharf to tlio Town Hall in motor-cars, which will procecd between thoso two points, via Bimny Street, Lambton Quay, Willis, Manners, and Lower Cuba Streets. At. the reception a fow brief words of welcome will lie spoken by His Excellency the Governor, the-Prime Minister, Sir Joseph Ward, and the Hon. James Allen (who arrives back to-day from tho south). The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) will preside.

Next-of-kin may obtain tickots for admission by the Mercer Street entrance oii presenting their Defence Department's cards at the Town Clerk's office. Tho public will be admitted by the Wakefield Street entrance. Citizens are asked to line the route of tho procession, and to make as brave a display of bunting as is possible in honour of the boys from tho front. ALTERED RAILWAY ARRANGEMENTS. It is announced that tlio Monowai will arrive at 7 a.m.; instead of 8.30. Sick and wounded for New Plymouth will leave the wliarf at 7.45 a.m., arid will travel in a special carriage to be attached to tho New Plymouth express, which is dispatched from Thorndon Station. Napier mou will leave tbe wharf at 8.35 a.m., and their carriage will be attached to tho Napier express. This arrangement will prevent the Hawko's Bay and Taranaki .men participating in this morning's welcome, but the Auckland and Wellington men will be present. RECEPTION AT CHRISTCHURCH. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) Christchuroh, November 1. The Willoclira men and other returned soldiers wero accorded a welcome in the oity to-day. The . men were conveyed in motor-cars through the decorated streets and tlio cheering multitudes to tlio Coloseum, where they were entertained at lunch. Speeches wero made by the Hons. James Allen and G. W. Russell. The latter stated that tlio Mayor of Christchurch and Mr. William Reece had been appointed members of tlie National War Fund Council. The North Island men, ox tlio Willoclira, left for Wellington by tho Monowai this afternoon.

MILITARY ORDER. NOTE OF ARRANGEMENTS. Respecting the return of the wounded soldiers to-day, the Defence Department yesterday issued the following : — "All sick and wounded must travel by tho trains arranged for by the Department, failing this they must pay their own way to/their destination. "After the reception tho AVellington men will go to their own homes, otners may have leave until fifteen minutes before their train ov steamer leaves.; Those who are compelled to remain in Wellington over-niglit may stay with relations. Should they not have relations the Department will provido accommodation for the period that it_ is compulsory for them to remain in Wellington. "Auckland Men. —The special hospital train will leave for Auckland at 1.45 p.m. from the wharf at tho ship's side, and later from Thorndon Railway Station at 1.55.

"Wairavapa men will leave by the train leaving Lambton Station at 4.25 p.m., and arrive at Mastertou at 8.45 p.m.

"Hawke's Bay and Gisborne Men. — Leavo by the 8.35 a.m. (immediately on arrival) in a. special departing from tho ship's side, connecting . with ordinary mail train at Thorndon Station. "Wanagnui and New Plymouth Men. —Leave b,v special train leaving tho ship's side at 7.45 a.m., connecting with ordinary express at Thorndon Station.

"Troops entering tho railway station must use the north gate. "Nelson and Picton Men.—Those who wish will b'e accommodated at tho People's Palace or Arcadia Hotel. The troops will leave by tho s.s. Pateena on AVednesday at 12.45 p.m.

"Any men in tho Wellington district for any station on the Main Trunk line, Wellington to Auckland, must travel by the Auckland hospital train, departing from the wharf at 1.45 p.m. to-day.