HOME AGAIN

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 110, 3 February 1919, Page 4

HOME AGAIN

A DRAFT FROM PALESTINE. A particularly large'crowd assembled at the King's Wharf on Saturday morning to meet the linev Wiltshire, which brought Draft No. 210, consisting of 715 officers and men, back from Palestine. As tho vessel drew • alongside thoso on board were greeted with loud cheering, which rose high above the strains of "Home, Sweet Home," which the Patriotic Society's Band played at the moment. It was a hearty reception, and tho items provided by the hand enlivened the proceedings immensely. Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, C.M.G.) welcomed the men to their native shore, and disembarkation promptly proceeded under the direction of Captain Prictor, military lauding officer, who had everyone away in less than an hour. Rain foil heavily during the proceedings, but everything went off satisfactorily. There was a large muster of motor-oars of tho Voluntary Motor Corps under Captain Pryor. OXFORDSHIRE AT AUCKLAND. By Telegraph—Press Association. Auckland, February 2. The transport Oxfordshire, bringing Draft No. 207, which arrived in Rangitoto Channel early yesterday morning, having undergone 21 hours' quarantine, discharged her troops at Auckland this afternoon. Sho had on board 1173 of all ranks and U civilian passengers, over 20 of whom were wives of officers and men. Thero were ni> cot cases nor 1 limbless soldiers aboard. The ship was in charge of Lieutenant-Colonel D. B. Blair, D.5.0., M.C. .'J he voyage was via Suez Canal, and was throughout fine. The troops arrived in good health. En route, educational classes in a variety of subjects were held, being specially well attended. Agriculture was the most popular subject. The conduct of the men while at Colombo was exemplary. While the vessel was in quarantine here, Mrs. A. H. Colville, widow of the late vicar of St. Sepulchre's, Auckland, disappeared. She was returning with her mother, having taken home r'er husband's body for interment. She was missed about midnight on Saturday. A thorough search was made without result. The deceased was formerly Miss 'Olive Peat, of Feilding. \ The Oxfordshire was the first hospital ship taken over by the Admiralty engaged continuously cs such, and was at Anzac, Cane Helles. Salonika, Persian Gulf, and South African ports to February, 191 S. During this period she had many encounters with submarines, frequently being fired on. but escaping scathless. She made four voyages to America as a transport, carrying American troops to Europe. The returning men were officiallv welcomed by the Mayor and Colonel Potter, O.C.D. The South Island troops and those for the southern portion of the North Island left by special train this evening. MEN ARRIVING TO-DAY. Advice has been received by the Tailway authorities that two special trains conveyinc: the southern portion of the draft will reach Wellington this afterneon. Tho first train is scheduled to arrive here at 3.1" p.m., and the second at ;).56 p.m.