FORMER WAR PRISONERS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24624, 21 July 1945, Page 8

FORMER WAR PRISONERS

DRAFT ARRIVES IN CHRISTCHURCH A kindly welcome awaited the draft of repatriated prisoners of war who arrived in Christchurch yesterday morning. In all, 286 men arrived at Lyttelton, three of whom were residents of Lyttelton, and two of Sumner. The remainder comprised 80 men from Christchurch and suburbs, 21 who proceeded to the West Coast, and 180 for places south of Christchurch. There was a big gathering of friends and relatives of the returned men, and although the weather was cold and bleak, the welcome was warm. The men, some of whom had been prisoners for more than four years, appeared to be in good health, and it was not long before the Christchurch men disappeared from the station in cars provided by the Army, Red Gross, and private owners to take them to their homes. Mr D. W. Russell, president of the Christchurch branch of the Returned Services’ Association, said it was a nleasure and an honour to welcome back to Christchurch old comrades who had seen the stress of war. He asked them to take full advantage of the amenities of the Returned Services’ Association, members of which would do everything in their power to solve the difficulties of men who had been so long away from the city and cut off from their friends, In the absence of the Mayor (Mr E. H. Andrews), who is indisposed, Mr Russell extended a welcome on behalf of the citizens of Christchurch, The men for the south left by the express train at 8,35 a.m., and those for the West Coast' by a special rail-car at 10.15 a.m. They were given breakfast at the Christchurch station before their departure. The Wahine, which brought the former prisoners of war to Lyttelton, berthed at 6.15 a.m. to the strains of music by the Lyttelton Marine Band. The Mayor (Mr W. T. Lester) was present and he extended a special welcome to three of the men who were returning to Lyttelton.