ATHENIC'S ARRIVAL.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 68, 20 March 1919, Page 5

ATHENIC'S ARRIVAL.

A HAPPY WELCOME. THE EDUCATIONAL SCHEME. (By Telograpi.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The happiest touch about the welcome to the Athenic draft yesterday was the dispatch of a ferry steamer around the ship at her quarantine moorings with nearly a thousand school children wearing colours, mainly small Hags. Helped by a band, they sang patriotic songs as the boat circled the Athenic. Rousing cheers from the troopship showed how well this juvenille reception was appreciated. It will be repeated on the arrival of every draft.

The Athenic was berthed before eight o'clock this morning to enable the North Island men to catch the trains. Less than 100 stay in Wellington. The voyage of 43 da3 - s was most enjoyable,amusements and lectures being well organised. A valuable reference library of 250 books was placed on board at Liverpool by the Director of Education, Expeditionary Force. During the last week ot the voyage these books were sold at half wholesale price. During the voyage every man was interviewed by the education officer. Tlie importance of continuing his studies in New Zealand was' explained, and he was also informed of all the facilities offered to the discharged soldier for the continuation of studies. Tlie terms of the discharged soldiers' land settlement wese explained. It was found that 25 per cent, of the men were farmers and intended returning to the land, while 5 per cent, were giving up trades to take up land under the Government scheme. Contrary to expectations, tlie average digger was most reluctant to avail himself of the facilities offered by th educational scheme. Fair compensation, however, was made by the fact that 30 per cent, of the men were most enthusiastic, and accomplished much work during the voyage. 'ine scheme, it is contended, was too"theoretical, nild more practical subjects should have been introduced. Every man wants something that will have an immediate and direct influence upon his future work. General Richardson. Officer t ommandmg the New Zealand Forces in England, who initiated educational training among the soldiers in hospital and camps, is about to leave for New Zealand, where he will arrive about the middle of April.

TO-DAY'S WELCOME.

SPEEDY DISEMBARKATION.

SOLDIERS' WIVES AND CHILDREN

CREATE FAVOURABLE IMPRESSION

(By Telegraph.— Special to "Star.")

WELLINGTON, this day. Although the Athenic berthed before 8 o'clock to-day Wellingtonians provided a rousing welcome for the returned men, their 184 wives and 45 children. A large choir of Public Service girls sang popular airs on the wharf, where two bands also brightened the proceedings as the military demobilisation staff worked during the quarantine period, completing the cheek on the men's papers in eight hours. Disembarkation was a quick process, occupying half an hour.

Major Brandon, a "Wellington boy," who distinguished himself by bringing down a Zeppelin, had a great reception. "New Zealand needn't be ashamed of the men's wives," declared a V.M.C.A. officer aboard the Athenic, and his verdict was endorsed by spectators, who saw nothing but healthy young women, obviously capable of tackling colonial conditions in a practical spirit. Chatting with them one realised how New Zealand soldiers-had advantage over the English Tommy in picking a Home wife New Zealand separation allowance of a guinea a week being regarded by the women as a great asset, enabling" them to live in comparative cqmfort, especially as New Zealanders' wives near New Zealand Army depots ■ were able to buy rations clear of many food control conditions. The Auckland soldiers, numbering 115, with 28 wives and four children, remained aboard ship, which is timed to leave for the north at noon. Other 521 men and their families go South by the Mararoa to-night. The wives and" children were entertained at the Town Hall by the Wellington women, who made them very welcome while awaiting departure from the city.