HOME ON LEAVE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20120, 14 December 1939, Page 4

HOME ON LEAVE

FIRST ECHELON TROOPS SPECIAL CARS TO-NIGHT 55 MEN FOR GISBORNE RECEPTION ARRANGED Released from the restraints of military camp life for a fortnight, 55 Gisborne and East Coast men of the First Echelon of the Second New Zealand Division are homewardbound to-day from Trentham. They will reach Gisborne to-night by special car from Wairoa, and are due at about 11.30 o’clock. Arrangements have been made by the Provincial Patriotic Committee for the men to be met at the pas-senger-service depot, and for the accommodation overnight of any who is not returning to his family or to friends. It is anticipated that a large gathering of relatives and friends will take place, but no official function will be arranged, as it is thought that this might break into the personal greetings of the soldiers and their families. It is known that the men of the frst echelon will be leaving New Zealand within a few weeks, and that this leave corresponds to their firal furlough before going on active service. The Arm}' Department has released the Gisborne men a little earlier than others who have not such long distances to‘travel, and this will permit them to enjoy almost the full fortnight on leave in their home district. They are to report back to their camps on December 28, and this will necessitate their leaving Gisborne not later than the afternoon or evening of December 27.

News of the impending arrival of the party was only received in Gisborne late yesterday afternoon, and a hitch threatened to develop In connection with the travelling arrangements between Wairoa and Gisborne. The Army Department had issued warrants for the cost of transport, but apparently no arrangements had been made for bus transport from the railhead to their homes. Members of the Territorial Association in Gisborne, learning of the possibility of a hitch, met the road service operators, and were able to ensure that cars would be available to meet the Gisborne party at Wairoa and bring the men on.