BACK FROM THE FRONT.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1466, 30 October 1915, Page 2

BACK FROM THE FRONT.

The first Foxton wounded soldier to arrive back from the front is Ranee-Corporal W. McAlister. He was accorded a right royal welcome on bis arrival by the train on Thursday evening. Several hundred townspeople assembled at the railway station and the Borough Band enlivened the proceedings. The returned soldier was quickly located and the crowd pressed forward in large numbers to greet him. The Mayor (Mr Alf. Fraser) extended a welcome home on behall of the townspeople to one who had fought and bled for his country. He hoped that his return would stimulate a number of young men to follow the splendid lead he bad given and that his wound would soon heal in order that he might he enabled to return and again serve his King and Country. He called for cheers, which were lustily- given. The band played “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and other lively strains. Ranee Corporal McAlister was a member of ttye Main Kxpeditiouary Force which left New Zealand and was among the main landing with the New Zealanders at Gallipoli. Two days after lauding and while in the firing line was shot in the left shoulder, the bullet coming out in the upper arm. The arm is still partly paralysed and is under treatment, tie was In hospital with erysipelas and malarial fever lor over four months prior to coming back in the Totua. Ranee-Corporal McAllister, in conversation with our representalive, spoke highly of the hospital treatment. He says nobody will know how hard the sisters work to brighten the lot of the wounded, words fail him in this connection. The boys recognise they are up against something tough in Galiipoli, but adds the Turks are clean, straight fighters. He says the Australian boys have sworn to slick to the peninsula. He speaks highly of the gallant work done by the chaplains. He met some of the local boys namely Quartermain, Honore, Burr, R. McAllister (brother), Hemmiugsen, Jeffries and others who had been engaged in the flaxmilling industry, all of whom send greetings to their friends. And he added “ they all hope that the others will hurry up and come along.” All the boys over there realise to the full that they are fighting for freedom, righteousness and purity, and to keep the good old flag and all that it stands for flying. He urges that nothing should be put in the way of those desiring to enlist, as the services of every man able to go are badly needed. Cor. McAllister asks us to thank the public for the cordial reception given him. He appreciated the welcome from the bottom of his heart and words failed him on the occasion. He has been granted two months leave of absence, and in the meantime will do his utmost to stimulate recruiting.