RETURNED SOLDIERS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 309, 24 September 1918, Page 4

RETURNED SOLDIERS

DRAFT .175 ARRIVES PER HOSPITAL SHIP. The hospital ship with the Wellington and southern sections of Draft 175 of returned wounded and sick soldiers from England, was announced, to arrive here about 8 a.m. yesterday, but it was 10.15 a.m. before tho vessgl berthed. ..Long before that* time a largo muster of next-of-kin arrived at the enclosure, ar,d waited thero patiently until the white bulk of the hospital ship moved gently into ■ her berth at the King's Wharf. As she drew alongside'the Camp Band made glad music, and there was a fine flutter of pav hunting in the ambient sunshine to "give a touch of colour to the scene. No great delay took place, and shortly after the gangway was adjusted the men who left the ship here came ashore in little groups. Though many of' them looked surprisingly well, there was that vague* something about them which told of. strange sights and a world of suffering. As they made'thenway through the barrier into the enclosure where the relatives stood waiting, there were cheers and tears of welcome, and many a touching little, scene was enacted as the men met their parents, wives, sisters, aye, and children, too. There was something poignantly affecting in the many' Ifamily meetings,, which *'c\v could regard with anything but moistened eyes. As usual, the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke) and' Mrs, Luke, with willing helpers, woro soon among the men with fresh fruit, spring flowors, and eigkrettes, and the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, extended the glad hand of welcome to those who had so gallantly fought and suffered for King-aiid Empire. A list of tho names <•[ the men who arrived appeared; in 'JW Dominion 6f September 9. -.The voyage out from Home was generally beneficial, to those who were run down, and tho proportion of cot cases was small. Still, the hospital ambulances had their work to'do, and within tho hour had salfely transported _ their charges to the Victoria Hospital at Newtown. The V.M.C. (Voluntary Motor Corps) did good work in supplying a motor-car service for the sick and convalescent, between the ship's sido aud their homes oi temporary destinations. 'The V.M.C. is now a perfectly organised body of helpers, who are willing to "do their bit" by attending nt the ivhiu-ves whenever the occasion arises. There may he occasion.3 when the members cannot attend in person, in which case they are in honour bound to supply a substitute. Twenty-five cars turned up yesterday, and a splendid service was' made possible. The organisation was in the hands of Captain W. Pryor and Mr. H. J. Stott, who were in evidence from 7.30 a.m., whereas the lios-' pital ship did not berth until 10.10 a.m. It would be an 'advantage to members of tho corps iif the information .as to tho time or arrival were a little more dependable than it is at present. The hospital ship with tho Canterbury, Otago, and Southland men, left again for Lyttelton during the afternoon.