BACK FROM PACIFIC

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 195, 16 May 1944, Page 4

BACK FROM PACIFIC

Soldiers For Essential Industry

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND May 15. Two drafts of soldiers from the Third Division, Second N.Z.E.F., iu the Pacific have returned to New Zealand for disposal to essential industry. One draft was given an official welcome today at I’apakura Camp and the other will receive a similar welcome tomorrow. rhe Minister of Rehabilitation, Major Skinner. represented the Government. With the exception of a small number of men classified as sick and woundet.. the returned drafts will be given 2S days leave on full tiny as soon as the necessary administration details have been completed. At the end of that time they will be placed on indefinite leave without pay. The Minister told the draft he addressed today that they had done a magnificent job on active service and they should feel no indignity at the job now before'them, ns it was of vital.importance. They had sufficient experience as soldiers to understand that fighting men could not function efficiently unless tliei was a big. willing and hard working team behind them to supply their needs. Iliey were now to take their place m tnat team. As fur as possible their nominations' for the types of work w;hich they desired to enter would be followed .Y the authorities.