MINISTERING COMMITTEE.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 67, 19 March 1919, Page 8

MINISTERING COMMITTEE.

The Ministering Committee, under Mrs J. B. Macfarlane, assisted by members of the executive of the Women's Patriotic League, had a very busy time welcoming home the men of the Hororata's draft. Preparations hnd been made in No;' 2 shed on the King's wharf, and here the tables were spread and chairs arranged, which speedily filled with close relatives of the returning men. The shed had been specinlly decorated for the purpose with flags, and a large poster with the word " Welcome" in big letters. Outside three large coppers were smoking furiously, and inside the members were heavily engaged in frontal attack on piles of large cakea: of Madeira cake 2001b. was ordered, and the same quantity of rich fruit, besides sandwiches and small goods. An innovation that was thoroughly appreciated was serving tea to the waiting mothers and wives of the returning men, who occupier] the inside of the shed with their babies and the old people. Many of the waiting mothers and sisters bore the sombre livery of woe, and more than one was silently sobbing, quietly behind a sheltering neighbour, as "the great steamer drew alongside. The doors were then flung open, and the men began to march in. but long repressed emotion swept aside any attempt at formality. Withered arms went around stalwart necks, and arms, too, that were far from withered, and laughing, but near to tears the returning 'boys were led past. One of the most pathetic incidents was a very frail old man, who stood shaking with excitement by the side of a relative in black. Then came, very quietly, the stalwart son. and the old man bowed Jiis head on his shoulder, and was shaken with sobs. The big, quiet son held him firmly till the frail body sank into a chair. Then the crowd swept across, but, later, the old patriot, who had evidently given what was dearer than life to him, was observed clinging to the stalwart arm of his son cs he passed from the shed, secure in the thought that all he held most dear was home again. This was but one of scores of pathetic sights. The great home-coming was for many too close to the brink of teats, and through it all the members of the Ministering Committee carried round the ever-welcome tea that in many instances helped to revive both returning soldier, weary wives, and mothers worn with the long strain of patient watching for a loved one's return.