"HOME, SWEET HOME."

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 168, 16 July 1915, Page 3

"HOME, SWEET HOME."

WOUNDED SOLDIERS ARRIVE. CITY'S HEARTY WELCOME. CITIZENS ASSEMBLE IX THOUSAXDS HEROES CHEERED TO THE ECHO. A welcome of remarkable, yvarmth was riven by the city of Auckland to those of her wounded sons who returned tofar from the Dardanelles, It was expected that the hospital train would arrive from Wellington at L3O, but the nature of her mission suggested the possibility of a variation from scheduled time. During the forenoon the railway authorities intimated that she was runnim: late, and would not arrive until shortly before three o'clock. The populace, taking no heed of delay, thronged toward* the railway .nation until by 2 o'clock there was a crowd of immense dimensions, extending into Customs Street and away up to Queen Street. OFFICIAL PREPARATIONS. Careful preparations had been made Iy the military authorities, the railway officials and the Police Department with a view to keeping the station exits -] ca r of traffic. Their barricades left aII open square which gave the motor ambulances and other vehicles a dear run thorugh to Customs Street, whence they might proceed into Queen Street On the platform wero twelve stretcher-bearers of St. John Ambulance Brigade, under the direction c f Superintendent F. J. Hutchison. Outtide was stationed a military guard oil' honour, comprised mainly of men from! the Coast Defence Forces, under Captain , Fe'-ton. Members of the police force , | ■arc conspicuous in controlling the traffic jt Snroughout the city. Tlie Band of tie j Garrison Artillery was in attendance. A SUNNY WELCOME. It was a pleasing circumstance t'uu: i the soldiert, should be returning to their homes in tne brightness oi a sunny day. la. = lint added coiour to the extensive ! display oi bunting which everywhere Buttered in the gentle breeze. Ihe people responded, tv ii= iiiliueiice, and came to welcome the ooldieic with open arms. When the time came their cheering woke | the echoes, and trie outburst did iui suou d.c away, ihe demonstration stalled iii tne suburbs through which the hospital tram passed, aud gathered i:i strength until the city station was reacued. Later, when llie more eenous case.- had b.-en carefully removed to the waiting ambulances aud the convalescent;, were entering their conveyance* the cheering was still more intense. Not only did tin- watchers cheer, but also indulged in those touching demonstrations associated with au emotional outburst. Ihe welcome was very thorough. SCENE AT THE STATION. Only immediate relatives were permitted to the elation platiorm. Many oi tuem were visibly arl'ectei as the tooting oi the engine heralded the trains approach. With eagerness they watched for signs oi tvhose fur whom they wa.ted, end touching was the welcome they gave The removal ot the hospital cases vas personally superintended by Captain Hughes (Assistant Director of Military Hospitals), who had joined the tram some distance down the line. He received all possible assistance from the St John Ambulance yvorkcrs. Two motor ambulanceß—one from the hospital, and the other from the Waterside Workers Btation-received the stretcher patients, while other motor conveyances were in ■Baiting for the remainder oi the men. PASSING THROUGH THE CITY. As they were driven along Customs Street, and up Queen Street, the wounded eeldiere were given a great ovation. They, in their turn, responded as well as their injuries yvould permit, and in a way that suggested their gratification at "being among friends. The streets were thickly lined, and coigns of vantage such as verandah roofs and balconies were freely used. Tbe crowd yvas also dense iv the vicinity of the Town Hail, whither tbe fittest of the patients were driven to be publicly received. AT THE TOWN HALL. At the instance of the Mayor (Mr. J. H. Gunson). who had communicated with the Minister of Defence, a public reception was arranged to take place at tne Town Hall as soon as possible after the arrival of the train. The floors were thrown open some time in advance, with the result that seating accommodation was lullv taxed yvhen the soldiers were ushered'in through the Grey Street entrance. They arrived to the accompaniment of patriotic airs, played by the City Organist (Mr. Maughan Barnetti. and were taken to scats on the platform. A spirited address of welcome was given by the Mayor, on behalf of the citizens, and the gathering endorsed his remarks with great enthusiasm. So ended a memorable reception.