RETURNING SOLDIERS.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1919, Page 5

RETURNING SOLDIERS.

WELCOMED AT NEW PLYMOUTH. Long before Saturday's Wellington express train was due in New Plymouth the station was crowded with eager and anxious relatives and friends of the large draft of returning soldiers expected that evening. Prior to 8 o'clock the Citizens' Band marched through Devon and Egmon t Streets, playing en route to the station* where they assembled to welcome home Messrs. Revell and ColemanTheir playing was the means of attracting several hundreds to the station, and at S o'clock the Salvation Army proceeded in the san j direction to welcome Private W. Smith —also a bandsman. The night wa& beautifully fine, and as the train came to a standstill the passengers were treated to a drum solo, and the returning bandsmen greeted with cheers, after which the band struck up the familiar and appropriate "Home, Sweet Home." With the crowd, locomotion was difficult, but soldier and traveller rather enjoyed the pressure of so many people, who, however, quickly disappeared as the bands left the station. After playing Private W. Smith to the Salvation Army Hall, Commissioner Hodder (who is visiting New Plymouth) spoke appreciatively of the work done by the boys, and also referred to the pleasure it gave him to welcome Private Smith back to his home and loved ones. Brigadier Toomer and Commandant Rowlands also added words of welcome, after which Private Smith was entertained to supper, and made a suitable reply.