"MEMORABLE."

Auckland Star, Volume LXIX, Issue 101, 2 May 1938, Page 8

"MEMORABLE."

HISTORIC TRIP.

"KISS AND BE FRIENDS." END TO THE ONLY FIGHT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON , , this day. With flags flying, the Maunganui and Monowai returned to-day with 1400 returned, soldiers who had imrticipatod in the Anzac Day celebrations in Sydney. The return trip was uneventful, and the weather was good all the way. "The men were a very fine lot, every one a thorough gentleman," eaid an officer of the Monowai. The two ships crossed the Tasman in company, the Maunganui slightly astern of the Monowai, and were in sight of each other most of the way. A slight haze during the last two days obscured them at times. Between 30 and 40 men returned by the Awatea, which- also arrived from Sydney to-day. Only one man missed the troopships at Sydney, but he was not much later than his comrades arriving here, for he returned by the Awatea.

The Hon. Vincent Ward, M.L.C., a member of the contingent who returned by the Monowai, said the trip was memorable and historic, being marked by some indefinable spirit, which was in everybody's heart. Never once did he hear a growl or a complaint or bad word spoken. All Subscribed. One Digger lost his wallet in the crowd at Wellington, and when this wae known everyone aboard subscribed to refill it.

Describing the march, to the Cenotaph in Martin's Place after the arrival in Sydney, Mr. Ward said: "We were all proud of one another and of New Zealand. We marched well, and we looked well in our dark suits and grey hats, and all wearing the same tie of silver and black. Thousands of Australians intermingled with the New Zealanders, seemed to take us to their hearts, and cheered and clapped as we marched along."

. Mr. Ward also said that as hosts the Australians were truly magnificent. They showed their national characteristics and evury New Zealander received hospitality and goodfellowship far beyond all expectations.

Mr. Ward described the scenes on Anzac Day as "wonderful," and said the days that followed Anzac Day were days that would always remain with them as a pleasant dream. The send-off at Sydney was on a par with everything else that was crowded into the five wonderful days. He was satisfied that no previous event in our history had done more to bring about understanding between Australia and New Zealand.

Played With the Boys. Mr. Ward said the Australian police were comrades all, not only for the New Zealand men but for the Australians too. On Anzac afternoon they could be seen playing two-up with the boys. "I saw one wheeling a 'Digger' in a wheelbarrow to his ship. Only once did I see a fight and an Australian lady said 'Boys you should not fight but kiss and be friends,' and they did."

This morning the Hon. W. Perry placed a wreath on the war memorial on behalf of Australian ex-servicemen.

Another account by the "Star's" Sydney correspondent appears on page nine.