WELLINGTON WELCOME

Grey River Argus, 15 January 1941, Page 6

WELLINGTON WELCOME

Mr Fraser’s Tribute [Per Press Association] WELLINGTON, January 14. A warm welcome was given at the railway station to the crew of the Holmwood, on arrival from Auck- ( land, and when its first wild rush was over most of the men commented they ’had had an anxious time, and were very glad to be home again, but soon added they were ready and willing to face the sea again and all the attendant risks, as soon a's possible. They all spoke warmly of the way they were received in Australia and at Auckland. Praise was also accorded to the Government for the way wives and mothers had been kept advised of their welfare, and for the prompt way in which prisoners’ war pensions had been paid. “Our fondest hopes have been realised.” said Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, welcoming the released prisoners at the railway station, where they joined Mr. and Mrs. Fraser at morning tea in the dining rooms. There Cabinet Ministers were able to hear at first hand something of the experiences. - “I can’t describe to you how the. country felt when the Holmwood was overdue.” said Mr. Fraser, “and when the Rangitane was sunk, and we realised you were probably victims of the raider.” He wanted to tell the men that their wives had been realIv wonderful under very trying circumstances. They faced up to the situation nobly, and their attitude had been a great help to the Government. As word of the increasing bag of the raiders had come through, anxiety had increased, and when the word of the rescue was received, it could not be released until they were safe in Australia. To have such news of joy and have kept it to himself, had proved one of the most trying experiences he had ever gone through. Captain Miller thanked the Prime Minister and the Government for the welcome, and for the assistance that had been given to the relations of the men, while they were missing. He echoed the Prime Minister’s hope that none of them would again fall into lhe hands of the raiders, but nevertheless assured Mr. Fraser they would all be glad to take up duties at sea once more.

Among those present at the station was P. Isbester, third officer of the Wairuna, at the time she was captured by the raider Wolf. He said he was glad to learn that conditions had changed since the last war. Apparently the conditions on the raider had been fairly good. When he was on board the Wolf they were exceedingly trying. The Wolf had no condenser for producing fresh water, and she held all the men of a dozen or more ships. Even drinking water was scarce, and there was no fresh water for washing. He was nine months on the raider, cooped up with dozens of others in the hold and by the time they reached Germany, their clothes were so rotten they were falling off. The men were also welcomed back on behalf of the Merchant Service Guild by Captain F. A. Macindoe, who said he had a very busy time keeping wives advised of the position. He thanked the Government for the way provision had been made for wives and families during the men’s absence.

Mr. Walsh, secretary of the Cooks' and Stewards’ Union, was also at the station.