RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 230, 17 June 1918, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS

TWO DRAFTS ARRIVE. Draft No. 166 of returned sick ami wounded soldiers arrived in the harbour at 6.30 a.m. 011 Saturday, and berthed at the wharf within the hour, after a very fine trip. The Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke), on behalf of the citizens of Wellington, tendered the men a hearty welcomo home. By the time the men were able to leave tho eliip, there ivas a good muster of. members of the Motor Reserve, under Captain Pryor, who conveyed tho Wellington men to their homes, or 6uch destinations as they nominated. ■Another draft (No. 165) of about 800 men arrived by special train from Auckland at about G.la p.m. In consequence of the late arrival'of the train people had a long wait ill the sharp winter air. Still, there was a very large crowd at the station when the troop train drew in, and the men were given a rousing welcome, as they emerged from the coaches. This draft, an arrival at Auckland, numbered 6SO officers and men, in chargo of Lieut.-Col. D. Colquhonn, D.S.O. As usual, tho Mayor met tho men at the station, and missed no opportunity of extending the glad hand of welcome and helping the returned men to find their friends. Tho Motor Reserve, under Captain Pryor, was present in strength, nnd the organisation," so recently overhauled, worked splendidly. The Otago men went south by their own steamer, and the Canterbury men by the Mararoa on Saturday evening.