ATHENIC'S ARRIVAL

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 148, 18 March 1919, Page 6

ATHENIC'S ARRIVAL

RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS.

T.'.e Shaw, Savill, and, Albion Company's liner Athenic, with troops on boa.-d. is now due to arrive in Wellington at daylight to-morrow morning. In addition to the rank and file on the vessel there are approximately 180 soldiers' wives on board. With a view.to organising a suitable reception for this draft, tho Mayor (Mr. J. I'. Luke, C.M.G.) tailed a meeting of the individuals directly concerned, and a function on the lines accorded tho Loromtn'e draft was decided upon, with sag it modifications.

Colonel M'Donatd informed the meeting that the latest advicos concerning the vossel were that she would arrive on Wcilresdny morning, and if declared a eleon ship would berth at 9 a.m. or earner mi Thursday. The vessel could not berth later, as it was desired to get -the men away to their homes as early aa possible. This hour was agreed' upon snb.jc.ct to any alteration which might ba found necessary.

The Mayor stated that Saturday's function was most sntisfnctorv, and ho de-sir.-d to thank all thoso who contributed towards its success. He referred particularly to the Eastbourne Ferry Company, winch placed a. steamer at tho disposal of tho school children, to tho members of tho Ladies' Choir, to the confetti girls, and t) tho Motor Volunteer Corps, which dirl noble work. It would be some considerable time before another ship would reach Wellington, and lie trusted that everyone would sec that tho Athenic's divitt received the reception duo to them. Colonel M'Donald trusted that tho wonjen folk on tho vessel would receive the greatest possible consideration and wnrnith of welcome, and all agreed that no effort should be spared to give them a hear'v welcome.

Mr. A. Curtayne (organising secretary of the local Returned Soldiers' Association) stilled thai; arrangements were in hand for a reception at tho local Returned Soldiers' Club, whei-e tea would bo provided for returning soldiers and next-of-kin.

It was decided that tho same procedure b;. adopted in regard to the route of th.' motor-cars. They will leave the wharf and proceed on to Lanibton Quay via Post. Office Square. The bands wilh be rennisitoned for (he function— the Patriotic Society's Band will parade on the wharf, a band will be stationed in lost Office Square, and another will Pj-iy o-i the balcony of the Returned Soldiers' Building on Lumbton Quay. Kudonvouis are to be made to obtain the services of the Civil Service choir girls and also the confetti girls, who will fake up their positions on the wharf and at Hi.-' entrance as on fxiturdav.

Eulogistic references were mode to the Motor Volunteer Corns for their splendid work. and. it was pointed out that additional motor-cars, were required to build up the strength of this corps. A special appal to owners of motor-cars is being made, amh it is honed that there will a large niiisl'er on Thursday morning.' Special arrangements-fire being mad" for aremiintodatiii" the soldiers and their wi.vs dnrimr I hen- stav in the city.

Tim childiT" will be taken nut on lb" harbour on Tlmreday iust before tho .Al-henic bm-Hjo. This fins been ninde nnssihle by the generous offer of tho En.sflvumio Borough I'nnncil, which has acnel to place (1, 0 Duchess at the dispell of the schools.

No arrfliwrneiifs hnrp boon ii'ihlp by the pomurltpp. lo taV-p Hie upxt-nf-Uin off in - slimier, but it is understood lint the. Eastbourne Ferry Coinnanv will lip arfor onp of their ferry steamers to sail round the Athenic after her arrival on Wednesday morning.