AUCKLAND FAREWELL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20131, 28 December 1939, Page 6

AUCKLAND FAREWELL

DEPARTING TROOPS FAMILIES FOREGATHER SIGNS OF EMOTION f IV r Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. Over 1000 people assembled quietly on the Auckland railway station last night to farewell the troops of the First Echelon of the Special Force returning to Burnham Camp, Christchurch, at the conclusion of leave. The troops caught the mood of their parents, relatives and friends, and about 200 of them left in at atmosphere that had little of the cheery informality usually associated with soldiers returning from leave. Each soldier seemed to have his entire family to see him off, reinforced by sweethearts and friends. Three pipers strode up and down the platform playing Scottish airs. Few signs of emotion were apparent until the time of departure drew near. The troops travelled in four special cars attached to the relief express that left for Wellington at 7.35 o’clock, but the crowd had assembled in full force quite hall' an hour earlier. No hakas or war-cries marked their departure. A few cheers were given, but the cheering was not general. The strain of waiting told on some of the womenfolk a few minutes before the train was due to leave.