THE MAIN BODY MEN.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 March 1919, Page 5

THE MAIN BODY MEN.

CHRIS'J'CIIURCH'S FIXE RECEPTIONBy Telegraph.—Press Association. Chrhtchurch, Last Night. The official reception to the Hororata's draft and other main hodv men took place this afternoon, when a very lengthy procession of motor onrs containing tile soldiers traversed the principal streets of the city. The publie responded magnificently and enthusiastically, the streets being densely packed with people. ,Tlu> crowds appeared io he bigger than .111 Armistice day. There was a great display of hunt ing throughout the city. School children were .grouped in Victoria Square, making quite a thrilling display. .As a finale the men and relatives were entertained to afternoon ten in the Colosseum as guests of the various patriotic societies.

ARRIVAL OF THE HORORATA. THE WELLIXGTON REINFORCEMENTS. A FESTIVE LANDING. There has never been such a successful welcome accorded to returned troops as that given on Saturday afternoon (says a Wellington paper). Without interfering in the slightest degree with the disembarkation arrangements, a means was devised of giving the Main Body men a real rousing welcome home —a welcome in which the feelings of every loyal citizen were reflected. During the forenoon it was stated that, it was highly improbable that the vessel would berth at 2 p.m., but at noon official word was received by the newspapers that the transport would berth at 2 p.m. promptly, and as the hour chimed the big bulk of the Hororata came nosing up to the King's Wharf, to tho accompaniment of playing bands and the voices of a great choir. The spectacle was one that stirred the hearts of all who were privileged to witness it. As the first line thumped on to the Wharf the Patriotic Rand and 350 voies from the Civil Service Ladies' Choir, placed in the balcony of the shed where the Hororata was to lie, struck up "When Johnny Comes Marching Home," and from that out the berthing of the liner was given a musical dressing. The choir sang "Three Cheers for the Red, White and Blue," "The Soldiers of the King," "The Girl I Left Behind Me." "I'ack I'p Your Troubles," and "I'll Be Waiting." There could be 110 question that the boys 011 the transport, were charmed aud delighted with the novel reception accorded them. Their looks told the story. Whilst the singing was delighting the ears of the home-comers, eager eyes 011 the wharf were seeking out their loved ones among the lads in khaki, who were packed in lines along the. vessel's decks. Every porthole framed a face, every ledge form-., ed a seat for a soldier, and they all had eyes for someone ashore, as did those on the wharf for those afloat. The greetings were very affecting in places. There were tears in plenty among the waiting women, but tho most touching spectacle was the sight of two little children welcoming their father (a four chevron man). Such scenes are too sacred to be described, but what ail argument they are ugainst war.

THE DISEMBARKATION. With the girls' voices still raising joy aloft, tin' wire springs were made secure, and tlie gangway win thrown across to the elevated platform. The Acting-Prime Minister and the Hon. (J. W. Russell, and the Mayor (Mr. .1. P. Ijiike) stepped on board, but no attempt vras made to speak to the men. The military had ruled against any interference whatsoever with their plans, mid there was none, not a solitary speech, for which the men afterwards.* in private, expressed their thanks. Whilst there may at times be cause for complaint at the delays that take place in the lunding of troops, there is a great deal of work to do, and in the case of the Hororata it could not have been done in quicker time. THROUGH THE CITY.

To the skirl from the bagpipes from the Wellington Pipe Band the first lot of men passed down the wharf, through the first barrier, where there was a corral of over a bundled ears, under liic control of Captain W. J'ryor, and as a soldier ami his next-of-kin emerged from the gates Ihey were hurried into a ear, the address of their destination was given to the driver, and oil' thev Went. Thanks to the excellent organisation of the Voluntary Motor Corps and assistants., there was no hitch here from first to lust. There were always cur* waiting, right up to the last man'for the shore. It was a fine performance, and showed that when citizens are prepared to help great things can easily be accomplished. For the rneli most concerned the trip up-town must have been a stimulating one, for from King's Wharf to Grey Street was one long lane of people, who cheered themselves hoarse during the afternoon. First the cars had to pass between two motor lorry loads of girls from the Post and Telegraph Department, who had great fun showering the heroes with colored confetti. Other young ladies strewed flowers in their 'path, threw kisses, and otherwise made the lads feel that they were home at last. The Natives' Association Band, the Mis- | sion Band, the Watersiders, the Tram-! way and Salvation Army Bands made glad music along the crowded causeway, and continuously echoed the cheors of different little parties who had been organised to show their feelings in the open. Every window in the buildings along the line of the procession was occupied, and bunting fluttered everywhere. It was a glad home-coming.