RETURNING THE TROOPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17094, 25 February 1919, Page 5

RETURNING THE TROOPS

COMPLETION BY JUNE.

PEACE CELEBRATIONS FORCE.

TO REPRESENT ALL UNITS.

[Bt TELEGRAPH.—

WELLINGTON, Mondiy.

Tho cablegram reporting that the number of men with the New Zealand Division on the Rhine has been reduced to 6000 indicates that demobilisation is proceeding rapidly. In epitfe of the shipping difficulties the authorities here hope that nearly all the New ZeaJanders will be home or on Hie water by June next. v

An adequate force will remain in England to take part in the peace celebrations in London. The selection of this force will be left to the officer commanding, who doubtless will aim at securing the representation of all units.

Returned officers state that the New Zealanders have no wish to undertake gar rison work in Germany or elsewhere. Though they admit that the conditions are quite pleasant, the colonials want to get home

OVER 33,000 MEN HOME.

6 DISCHARGES TOTAL 25,543.

Up to the end of January the total of returned members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces was 33,510, comprising 31,707 of the Main Body and reinforcements', and 1803 from Samoa.

The total of discharges at that date was 25,543, comprising 1086 officers gazetted out, 23,513 non-commissioned officers and men of the Main Body and reinforcements, and 1344 non-commissioned officers and men from Samoa.

DRAFT ON ZEALANDIC.

ARRIVAL ON WEDNESDAY.

[BT TELECBAPff.—PEESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, Monday.

Base Records advises that the Zealindic, with returning draft 217, will arrive at Wellington on Wednesday forenoon.