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Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 November 1943, Page 2

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NEW ZEALAND FORESTRY UNIT AFTER THREE YEARS’ SERVICE IN BRITAIN. WARM PRAISE FOR PEOPLE OF MOTHERLAND. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, October 31. With almost three years of outstanding service in timber felling and sawmilling in Britain to their credit, the members of the New Zealand forestry unit have returned to the Dominion. The unit was recruited from New Zealand bushmen and technicians in 1940 at the request of the British War Office, and went overseas to assist in the important task of cutting and milling timber for war purposes and its return ‘ was arranged some months ago-by the New Zealand Government and the United Kingdom authorities. The Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, the Minister of Rehabilitation, Major Skinner, and the officer commanding the Northern Military District, MajorGeneral P. H. Bell, D. 5.0., went on board the transport before it berthed to meet the officers and men. The fitness and splendid ‘physique of the foresters were revealed as the men clustered the deck rails and vantage points in varied stages of attire. Bronzed, muscular arms and powerful shoulders were revealed under scant singlets. The men were, as a bystander remarked, typical of the Dominion’s splendid bushmen. Their skill and efficiency had been acknowledged by the British authorities in expressing appreciation of the unit’s output of timber. One topic on which all the men were in agreement was the spirit of the people of Britain under the stress of war and rationing. “They are just wonderful,” was the common opinion expressed. “They are the only people outside of Europe who know there is a war on.” The men were also outspoken in their appreciation of the British people’s hospitality to the Dominion troops. Homes were thrown open and rationed foodstuffs shared with troops on leave. “It’s no wonder many of our younger lads took British wives to themselves,” was the remark of an elderly bushman. According to'the nominal roll of the draft, one officer and 61 other ranks were married in Britain. After acknowledging the part they had played in providing timber for Britain’s war factories, Major Skinner told the members of the unit in a welcome at Alexandra Park that they would now be asked to assist in rehabilitating their service comrades by producing timber for houses and other structures. The welcome was held on Saturday afternoon after the men had been entertained to tea and. had received their pay before going on furlough. The men gathered in a large informal group before the grandstand, from which brief speeches were mao.e. Mr Jones said there was no doubt that the men of the New Zeaalnd forestry companies in Britain had contributed something to the war effort of the British Commonwealth. Appreciation of their efforts had been conveyed in messages and reports from - the British Government. Mr Jones referred to the fact that some of the men had been attracted by “those fine English girls,” and had married, and had children. Naturally they were wondering when their wives and children would be brought to New Zealand. As far as shipping and mother circumstances would permit, everything would be done'to get them to the Dominion as soon as possible.' WAIRARAPA MEN IN PARTY. Wairarapa members of the party are: Sapper W. Clark, Main Street, Greytown; Sapper E. H. Hargood, 33 Victoria Street, Masterton; Sapper M. E. Hassall, Nursery Road, Masterton; Sapper R. S. Henson, 59 Oxford Street, Master ton; Sapper W. Inder, 23 Hogg Crescent, Masterton; Sapper J. C. McAlicce, 73 Bentley Street, Masterton; Private S. H. McCarthy, Weld .Street, Martinborough; Sapper W. Morris, Newman.