BACK FROM THE WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 January 1920, Page 5

BACK FROM THE WAR.

ARRIVAL OF THE RIMUTAKA. By Telegraph.—Pre;-,?. Association. Wellington, Jan. C. The Rimutaka with returning troops berthed early this morning and the troops disembarked. Those for the North left by various trains during the day, while men for Westport and norern parts of the South Island sailed by the Pateena at noon. Returned men for south of Westport, Canterbury, Otago, and Southland (sail to-night by the Maori. The last day at sea was marked by the presentation of an illuminated address to the ship's master, Captain Flemvning, from the officers and troops on board. Much educational work was done during the trip. ACCOUNT OF THE TRIP.

The troopship Rimutaka, which arrived at Wellington on Sunday from Liverpool, via Teneriffe, Capetown and Hobart, left Liverpool on the afternoon of November Bth.

The English winter followed close for about two days, but by the time the vessel arrived ofi Teneriffe (November loth) the days were warm and pleasant. Here the ship took on board a quantity of fruit and vegetables for use on the trip. Numbers of the islanders came out to the anchorage in small craft to dispose of fruit, nuts, cigars, fancy goods, and canaries. The ship was soon under way again, and various entertainments were organised for the benefit of the troops. In this connection there was a concert party formed from the ship's staff, passengers, and troops, which gave a performance once a week; magic lantern exhibitions three.- nights weekly; sports meetings on Saturday afternoons; and boxing tournaments at intervals throughout the trip, and lectures of an interesting and instructive nature. The men were further provided for by a large supply of games, such as chess, draughts, cards, dominoes, etc., and a number of tournaments were arranged for players, and prizes given. Various kinds of deck games were also much in vogue. The arrival at Capetown took place on December 2nd, and general leave was granted to the troops. The stay there was' very Welcome and enjoyed by all. Instrumental in looking after the soldiers were the V.M.C.A., the Salvation Army, the Australian Red Cross, and the Publicity Department. The Salvation Army gave special attention to the limbless soldiers on board.

Beautiful weather favored the stay at the Cape. On Saturday, December Oth, the Rimutaka once more sailed away Christmas Day was far from pleasant, but the exceptionally good Christmas dinner and the many extras provided in the way of sweets, fruit, cigarettes, cigars, and minerals, more than compensated for the bad weather. The ship arrived at Hobart on the morning of December 20th, and all had the opportunity of stretching their legs ashore. On arrival at the wharf a band was playing airs, whicSi the troops appreciated. In the evening an official welcome and "God speed" was given by prominent military officials and citizens of the town to the Rimutaka draft. Major Oram, on behalf of the troops, suitably thanked them. The ship sailed again early on Tuesday morning Demobilisation papers were subsequently handed out in the troops, and all arrangements made for their disembarkation.

The last day at sea was marked by a very interesting and popular ceremony, This was the presentation of an illuminated address to the ship's master, Cuptain Hemming, from the oflicers and troops on board. The captain thanked Major Oram (who made the presentation) and all ranks for their handsome present, which, he assured them, he appreciated, and would always treasure. Tin l discipline of the troops throughout the voyage was favorably commented upon. There was a general spirit, of content 'on board. Everybody was satisfied with the arrangements made for the journey home. The good quality and abundance of the food supplied was perhaps In great part, responsible for this. Worthy of mention also was the praiseworthy manner in which the troops conducted themselves at ports of call, many tributes being paid to their good conduct and behaviour. The success of Captain Brunton in organising sports and tournaments, contributed to the pleasure of all on board.