INVALIDED SOLDIERS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XL, Issue 1825, 11 May 1918, Page 3

INVALIDED SOLDIERS.

ARRIVAL OF A LARGE DRAFT. Auckland, May 10, The vessel which arrived last night bringing 526 soldiers under Lieutenant-Colonel R. C. Allen, had a pleasant voyage except for the death of one woman, a passenger. Almost all the soldiers were walking eases. Many received their wounds at Passchondaele, some in the Messines, and other engagements.

There did not appear to be many crippled men, but the majority bore marks of active service. The Minister for Defence (Sir James Allen) ' and local officials visited the vessel after it was cleared, and gave a general welcome to the draft.

The Avork of medical boarding was commenced soon after 6 p.m., and Avas completed in the early hours of this morning. Apart from a slight preliminary delay, the arrangements Avere quite satisfactory. The vessel berthed at 8 o’clock this morning, and the troops disembarked.

A large number of Main Body men who have gained commissions and honours are included in the draft.

COUNTY CLERK’S LAPSE.

DEFALCATIONS ADMITTED,

Woodville', May 10,

In the Magistrate’s Court to-day, before Mr Reid, S.M., Martha Hutchens, formerly clerk of the Woodville! County Council, pleaded guilty to charges of stealing sums aggregating £565 from the council. The

defalcations total over £1,200, but Avere reduced to the amount stated by the deduction of certain sums. The books Avere in a most chaotic state, causing the Government auditor great trouble and Avceks of hard unravelling. Accused Avas committed to the Supreme Court in Wellington for sentence, bail being allowed, self in £BOO and two others in £3OO.