THE WOUNDED SHIP.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 3985, 19 July 1915, Page 7

THE WOUNDED SHIP.

ARRIVAL AT LYTTELTON. STORIES OF TURKISH ATROCITIES DENIED. (Press Association Telegrams CHRISTCHURCH, July 18. The Willochra, with the southern section of the wounded men, arrived at Lyttelton at 3.45 p.m., yesterday. An official. reception took place at Lyttelton, where short addresses of welcome were given by the Chairman of tho Lyttelton Harbor Board, tbe Mayor of Lyttelton, the Mayor of Christchurch, the President of the Navy League and the President of tho Veterans’ Association. The men were transferred to a special train waiting on the wharf ,ancl brought through to Christchurch. There was a large crowd at Lyttelton to welcome the men back, and another large gathering at Christchurch railway station. Provision was made for 200 beds in the ambulance train, but only three were required, the patients being Sergeantmajor Keen, N.Z.S.C.. Lance-corporal J. Menzies, and Private P. G. Willis. Sergeant-Major Keen is suffering frofn’ rheumatism and tho other two from wounds. 'The following men stayed at Christchurch Hospital last night: Sergt.-Major-Keen, Corporal Pickering, and Privates Isherwood, R. B. Adcock, If. E. Dudlield, A. J. Northcote, A. ('. Armstrong, E. A. Wheeler, C. Gough, J. Menzies, Willis, Thompson and Walker, while Private G. Herbert went to a private hospital. Surgeon-Captain Mitchell, medical officer in charge, stated that the conduct of the men—and particularly that of the wounded—had been good and their health bad given little trouble on the voyage. On being asked about the alleged Turkish atrocities, lie stated that, so far as his experience went, there was not a vestige of truth in the rumors. The Turk was a clean fighter and played the game.

As for a statement that had been made in regard to explosive bullets having been used bv the enemy, Captain Mitchell ridiculed tho idea. He was certain that they bad never been fired. There were, however, ho said, some bullets used which on striking a bone, had expanded and it was probably this action tliaf caused the rumor.

Captain Mitchell said be* could not speak too highly of the courage and dash shown by the Australasian troops, whose bravery had earned for them among British regiments the name of the “White Gurkhas.” A RIM YAL AT DUNEDIN. ) DUNEDIN. July 18. The Willoch ra, with wounded soldiers, arrived at Port Chalmers early iliis morning. Two special trains were put on for the convenience of tnc military authorities and the public, but the latter, owing to the short time of notification, was scantily patronised. Military officials wont outside the Heads in a motor launch and made all arrangements so that, on arrival of the hospital ship at the port, the invalided soldiers were able to disembark. All ambulance arrangements were made. About a dozen of the men were able to leave carrying their kits. Others limped or appeared in bandages and only four or five were carried on ambulances. These were watched in silence, but others were loudly cheered. 'The disembarkation work was completed in less than an hour. THE WA IRA RAPA MEN. MASTERTON, July 18. Eight grounded soldiers who returned to Wairarapa. on Saturday wove given enthusiastic receptions at Carterton and Masterton. Both townships were decorated with flags and bunting. At Masterton rousing speeches were made and the men were entertained at luncheon.