INVALIDED SOLDIERS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 147, 3 April 1941, Page 7

INVALIDED SOLDIERS

RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, April, 2A complaint made at a meeting of the Auckland Metropolitan Patriotic Executive of lack of hospitality and no welcome for a recently returned party of soldiers, including Auckland men, who landed at Wellington, was investigated to-day.

Ft was stated that the arrival of the invalid troops was not known till the night or day before. They were met at. the wharves by cars belonging to and driven by members of the Red Cross Women’s Transport Service. They were driven to various places where their attendance was required, such as headquarters, the medical board, the dental board, and the hospital for X-ray, and taken for meals. Those going to Auckland ' were provided with warrants enabling them to get meals free at railway refreshment rooms on the way. Every endeavour was made to assist them. The men themselves were put to no expense whatever. Everything was done for them that could Reasonably be expected. The staff at Area 5, Wellington, worked any hours required of them to ensure that no returning soldier was the object of unnecessary delay. An officer from the South Island, who returned recently, complimented tho sick and wounded section of the staff of Area 5 on the way they worked in connection with returning soldiers. Nothing was a trouble for them.