THE KORORATA DRAFT

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 144, 13 March 1919, Page 4

THE KORORATA DRAFT

DUE TO-MORROW AFTERNOON. The Defence Department adviso that Returning Draft No. 221, transport Hororata, is now expected to arrive at Wellington at 4 p.m. to-morrow, mid if the medical inspection is satisfactory she will coma alongsido the wharf at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The name of tho wharf will be notified later. On this occasion no person will be admitted to tho wharf unless in possession of a next-of-kin pass. This also applies to soldiers in uniform. RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS. Another meeting of' the committee winch is arranging a reception to the Ifovorata men was held at the Town Hall yesterday. Tho Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luke, M.P.) presided, and those present included Mr. P. Levi (Mayor of Eastbourne), Councillors Barber,• M'Kenzie, Norwood, and Wright, and representatives of tho Shipowners' Federation, Edu. cation Board, Harbour Board, Savdgo Club, Commercial Travellers' Association, Returned Soldiers' Association, Port Nicholson 1 Yacht Club, Patriotic Society, and the various city bands.

It was stated that although the Horornta was duo at <1 p.m. on Friday, every effort was being; made to secure the boat's arrival two hours earlier. A definite announcement would bo made todav. • .

Owing to the alteration in the Kme of arrival, the Shipowners' Federation was not able to announce what Moats would be available, but would decide the following day, and lot the General Committee know at noon exactly what the accommodation would be. Through the courtesy of tho Union Company the turbine steamer Maori will be placed at the disposal of the next-of-kin, and will meet the troopship at the Heads. The ferry steamer Duchess •will, be made available to 00 school children under the control of teachers and members of the school committees. The boats to be available for the bands, choir, and serenading parties wilt be announced as soon as the shipowners are able to consider the position.

Mr. G. F. Wilson (Savage Club) was requested to arrange a programme for tho evening's entertainment after the boat arrangements aire known. Tho Mayor said he was. very anxious that the. employers 6hould give 'bandsmen the necessary leave without deducting time lost. It was essential to the success of tho programme that facilities should be granted to the bandsmen, and he hoped that employers would place no obstacle in fhe way of their attendance.

The Mayor and Mayoress will tender a social to the Hororata men, their next-of-kin, and all returned soldiers on Saturday evening,

The men for stations north of Wellington (Napier, Palmerston, etc.), will leave for their homes 011 Monday morning.