GRATEFUL “DIGGERS”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 May 1938, Page 6

GRATEFUL “DIGGERS”

THE VISIT TO AUSTRALIA

WONDERFUL DAYS IN SYDNEY.

GENEROUS HOSPITALITY APPRECIATED.

An interesting review of the recent visit to Australia of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ contingent was given in an informal talk by Mr H. G. Alexander, a member of the contingent, at last night’s meeting of the Wairarapa Returned Soldiers’ Association. On behalf of the Wairarapa “Diggers” who were fortunate enough to go on the trip, Mr Alexander thanked the Returned Soldiers’ Association for giving them that opportunity.

Mr Alexander gave an entertaining summary of events of the tour from the marvellous send-off at Wellington • v to their reluctant return. “As soon as the vessels let go in Wellington,” he said, “every steam whistle let go too.” On board, the ships company provided plenty of amusement for the men. Various games were held and there was a lot of fun at the mock court. On the ship they were issued with a pass to almost everything in Sydney. There were free tram rides, free ferry rides, free motor trips, in fact, they hardly needed any money at all. On the Saturday morning preceding Anzac Day they arrived in Sydney and the Sydney Police Band on a launch played them right up the harbour. “It seemed as if not all Sydney, but all Australia had turned out to meet us,” said Mr Alexander. After lunch, provided by the Returned Soldiers and Sailors of Australia, the “Diggers” were free to go where they liked they were provided with tickets for almost everything. Most of the men went on motor trips on the Sunday. Four hundred of them were conveyed in private cars to Wooliongong; others visited the Blue Mountains, and others went to Newcastle. The Australians could never do enough for them, said Mr Alexander. There were always buses at the boat to take them to the* railways, or wherever they wanted to go. They were not allowed to walk anywhere.

“The Dawn Parade,” he continued, “was the most impressive service I have ever attended. We assembled at 3.45 a.m. and marched into Martin Place. There was a mighty sea of people, but they did not make a sound.” Mr Alexander also referred to the marvellous organisation, at both the Dawn Parade and the service later in the morning at the Domain. A great re-union of Australian and New Zealand “Diggers” took place that afternoon. The remainder of their time in Sydney was more or less free, and on the Thursday night they received a send-off which was a fitting' finish to the wonderful days before. A hearty vote of thanks was passed to Mr Alexander for his address.