BACK FROM THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1919, Page 5

BACK FROM THE WAR.

ARRIVAL OF CORTNTHIC. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. The troopship Corinthic arrived in the harbor at 3.20 p.m., and will berth at 7 to-morrow morning. The draft comprises 404 troops, 358 wives, and 78 children. THE AYRSHIRE'S VOYAGE. Christchureh, Sept. 20. The troopship Ayrshire, which left Liverpool docks on August 5, brought out a mixed draft of soldiers from the Main Body up to the Forty-third Reinforcements. While the vessel was in mid-Atlantic a French sailing ship was passed, flying a signal of distress. The Ayrshire went alongside, and ascertained that the sailing ship had been 140 days out, and was becalmed. The crew were absolutely starving. They were supplied with an abundance of food from the Ayrshire, and were profuse in their thanks. Speaking in regard to the food, Lieut.Colonel N. F. Narbey, of Eltham, who was in command of troops, said that they left England at a time when potatoes were scarce, and the result was that the men had to go short of potatoes during the latter part of the trip. Meat and other foodstuffs were good, but there was a shortage of vegetables. A good deal of latitude was allowed the men in L.ue matter of bringing out souvenirs. At Colon several of the officers purchased monkeys, and the men parrots and other birds, which were safely brought out. Educational classes were conducted on a purely voluntary basis, and were highly successful. Some of the classes were exceptionally well attended. Lieut.. Colonel Narbey stated that about thirty men who had been serving long terms of imprisonment for serious offences had been put on board before leaving, and would be handed over to the proper authorities here. Some of these men were really bad lots, and had caused some trouble on the voyage. Four men had formed a plot to break into the kit store and rob the kits, but were caught red-handed. They were sentenced to 28 days' detention, and deprived of their railway privileges. These men had been kept in close detention from the time they were sentenced, but the other prisoners were allowed the freedom of the ship.