SAMOAN TROOPS RETURN.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 69, 22 March 1915, Page 6

SAMOAN TROOPS RETURN.

BOUND FOR THE FRONT. I (By Telegraph—Special to "Star.") I WELLINGTON, this day. A large draft of New Zealand troops from Samoa who are being replaced to enable them to go to the front, landed here to-day. The men look surprisingly hardy after having lived in a tropical climate for seven months. Military regime has smartened them up thoroughly. Owing to the necessity for cleaning the transports, collecting the men's arms, and equipment, and arranging details regarding records and pay, the public could not be allowed to mix with the returned soldiers. A large number of people witnessed their arrival, but, owing to the limitations thus imposed, there were no scenes of enthusiasm. The Prime Minister. Minister for Defence, and Mayor of Wellington addressed the returned troops. The draft is in charge of Lieut.Colonel Fulton. The men of one sec-, t-ion df 130, including sick and discharged men, are being paid and otherwise dealt with in the city. The remainder, who have volunteered for European service, proceeded by special train to Trentham. where, after their pay and records are completed, they will be given leave till after Easter, with return railway fares paid. The Auckland men will probably leave to-nigbt. Arms and equipment will meanwhile be brought up to the standard. The Minister for Defence, after inspecting the men, stated that most of the sick have minor ailments, and he is quite surprised at the healthy appearance of the returned soldiers, showing that proper regulations and diet of camp life will enable men to live healthily in climates where, otherwise, existence would he more difficult. "One very gratifying feature I cannot! stress too much," added the Minister; I "that is, the men have come back clean.'

I hope the public will understand what I mean. Thk is creditable to the men, and very gratifying to their country. There are greater dangers in Egypt, but we are taking steps to protect our men, i and the public," ,„