BACK FROM THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 21 March 1919, Page 5

BACK FROM THE WAR.

THE ATHENIC'S ARRIVAL. ARRANGEMENTS FOR TRAVELLING. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The hour at which the Athenic berthed this morning, 7.4.'i, was too early to suit many people, nevertheless a very large crowd of friends and relatives assembled to welcome the returning men, their wives, and children. The civil service ladies' choir occupied the balcony of the shed opposite the Athenic's berth, and from that point of vantage sang choruses and cheered the men and war brides. Three bands attended and enlivened the proceedings at the wharf and on the line of route. As the men and their wives passed out of the wharf gates they ran the gauntlet of lorry loads of post and telegraph girls, who showered confetti and good wishes on the war brides, men, and relatives alike. A civic reception was accorded at the Town Hall, speeches of welcome being made by the Mayor (Mr. Luke), Mrs. Luke, and Sir James Allen. The Athenic sailed at for Auckland. The quota of the* draft on board for Napier and Gisborne left by the O.H) express this morning, and those for stations on the Main Trunk and New Plymouth lines by the Main Trunk express at midday. The New Plymouth men will spend to-night at Wanganui, going on by the train to-morrow morning. The Wairarapa men left by the 2.55 p.m. train; the Otago, Canterbury, and Grcymouth men left for the south by the Mararoa; anil the Blenheim. Picton, Nelson, and Westport men will leave by the Pateena to-morrow.