INVALIDED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 202, 15 May 1918, Page 4

INVALIDED SOLDIERS

DRAFT REACHES AUCKLAND. By Tclecraph.—Press Association. Auckland May 14. Draft 159, which arrived this morning, comprises 541 (including twenty officers) invalids, mostly incapacitated by gunshot wounds. Of 250 cot cases when the voyage began only 80 are now so classed. Tho men had a great reception at way ports, and on tho wholo it was a very fine trip. The men aro highly pleased with their treatment on tho ship, which has beon equipped with the most modern appliances for massage, resulting in a wonderful improvement in • tho cases under treatment. Two soldiers died on the voyage. Private C. Thomas, of Tuatepere, Southland, died oil April 18, and was buried at sea, and Privato C. T. M'Kinley, of Balclutha, died on April 23, and was buried at a port of call, Tho majority of tho men were wounded in the fighting around Passchendaele in October. There are a number of cases of tuberculosis duo to the effects of gas, and of shell-shock, but the men as a wholo have benefited by tho voyage. About 250 cot cases embarked, but only 80 remained cn arrival. Electric maESugo apparatus was shipped in England, ana proved of great value, many men owing their present condition to the treatment received. On tho voyage over 7000 treatments w r cre given.

The draft is'duo in Wellington on Thursday, and the vessel is expected to berth at 10 a.m.