RETURNED SOLDIERS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLV, Issue 4155, 4 February 1916, Page 5

RETURNED SOLDIERS.

MEN ON THE ROTORUA

(Press Association Telegram.) AUCKLAND, Feb. 3

■ihe s.s. Rotorua arrived at daybreak with seven officers and 196 men of the New Zealand Forces returning invalided. They were given a public reception at the Town Hall at noon. The Southerners. 130 in number, were given a motor drive this afternoon. The returned soldiers are mostly wounded who have been under treatment in England. They are thoroughly healthy-looking. There are no crutches or missing limbs, but several cases in which men have lost an eve. Captain Hardham, who won the Victoria Cross in South Africa, landed at Hobart. There arrived by the Rotorua two English officers to join the New Zealand staff—Captain H. A. Cooper, oth Cancers, who served six months in danders earlv in the war and won the Russian War Cross, and Captain. HNeave. of the Essex Regiment, who was at the original landing at V Reach Cape Heiles. The latter is a machine-gun expert. Major Brerton, in charge of the men returned by the Rotorua, states that the conduct of all has been excellent. It was a most enjoyable voyage. There were two bright diversions at Capetown and Hobart Major Brerton was injured in the attack on Krithia in May. He returns fullv restored to health, and hopes soon to return to the scene of operations. Speaking of the last occasion he was in action, ho said it was the first time the New Zealanders had been in a stereotyped attack. Tnl then they had been fighting at Anzac or were being taken to Cane Hellos with a battalion of Australians. They were sent forward under shell fire Atfirst their losses were not great, but when thev advanced from the trenches the Turks cut them dnwrn like rabbits. Mai or Brerton describes the Australians ns the fiercest fighters on the face of the earth, and added, and I think our men can do as much a-, the Australians.”