BACK FROM THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 26 April 1919, Page 5

BACK FROM THE WAR.

ARRIVAL OF THE lONIC. BONNIE ENGLISH WIVES. Auckland, April 24, The transport lonic, which arrived in the harbor last evening, was berthed this morning at the Queen's Wharf. She brought 40 officers. 18 nursing sisters, (144 other ranks, 16S soldiers' wives, and 61 children. A seaplane from the New Zealand Flying School at Ivohimarama flew over the transport and dropped messages of welcome on board, and liberated a sackful of confetti as a special tribute to the soldiers' wives. , The lonic left London on March 14, and came to New Zealand via the Panama Canal. The chief incident of a smooth and uneventful journey was the reception given to the troops in the Canal Zone, where the American residents, despite the frequent and numerous calls on their hospitality, showed the New Zealand soldiers every consideration, and attended to their comfort with unflagging enthusiasm. The health of the troops was good throughout the voyage, there being only three cot cases. The use of an inhalation chamber successfully prevented the advent of influenza.

After doing splendid work in France, the Tunnellers have returned as a complete unit, under Captain R. 11. Daldy.

The batch of bonny English girls who have come to New Zealand as the wives of soldiers created a very favorable impression. and the spectacle of many of the "Diggers" prondlv carrying babies in their arms fired the enthusiasm of the waiting crowd. The young wives were quickly made to feel that they were truly welcome. The southern quota of the contingent was entertained at luncheon, and. in the afternoon were given motor trips around the city and suburbs. All of the soldiers disembarked at Auckland.

Five of the babies on the transport were suffering from measles when the vessel arrived at Auckland. They were all taken to the general hospital. One of them was. stated this afternoon t.o be in a critical condition.