TRANSPORTS AT LYTTELTON.

Auckland Star, Volume L, Issue 198, 21 August 1919, Page 9

TRANSPORTS AT LYTTELTON.

PLEASANT HOMEWARD TRIP. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCIIUROH, Wednesday. The transport Somerset which arrived to-day left Liverpool on July 2, a verj pleasant trip being experienced. Norfolk Virginia, was reached on July 14, and the vessel did not leave until July 10. During tins time the men -Were entertained by the Navy V.M.C.A.. and the American people generally. Ample leave was granted and everything possible was done to give .the. men a thoroughly good time. Colon was reached on July 26.

The men were fortunate in having on board the 'band of the 2nd Otago Infantry Battalion, under the command 01 Sergeant-Major J. C. Williame, and consisting of twenty-live players. Tbe Port Hacking, which also arrived to-day. left ILivarpool on July 4, and. with the exception of two days' rough weather about a week out from Colon, and another two days before reaching Lyttelton, fine weather was experienced The food throughout .the trip was regarded as good for a troopship, and tho men had practically no complainte. The troops comprised a mixed draft from the Main Body to the latest reinforcements, and every man appeared to be wearing the new general service ribbon. The behaviour) of the men was regarded "by Major Richardson as excellent. The only port of call <wms Colon, whwre *ihe usual hospitality was extended. Lectures, debates, and concerts were 'held each evening during the trip, which was enlivened by the band of the 2nd Canterbury Battalion, which is i>he champion band of the New Zealand .Division, having earned tbie distinction at St. Legor, (France, in June, 1919. The t>and is commanded hy Sergeant-Major B. G. Owen, and con« sists of tbirty-five men. J