WELCOME HOME

Grey River Argus, 15 December 1943, Page 4

WELCOME HOME

N.Z. Sick and "Wounded

P.A. WELLINGTON, Dec. 13. A large numoer of sick and wounded. service personnel, women as well as men, were recently welcomed home after active service in the Middle East and other theatres of war. Included was a party of 180 New Zealanders, who were repatriated prisoners of war from Germany, the first to arrive back in New Zealand. Among the arrivals was Miss E. M. Nutsey, Matron, New Zealand Army Nursing Service, Middle East, who had been, awav from the Dominion for four years. In the absence of the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraseil}, Hon. D. G. Sullivan presided over the welcome ceremony, and on behalf of the Government and people, he said how they, appreciated to the very utmost what the returned men and women had done in the great struggle which was now approaching its peak. “All that we can do will be (tone to redeem the promises that have been made to you,” said Mr. Sullivan. Hon. F. Jones expressed the country’s indebtedness to those who had looked after the welfare of the fighting men, and cared for their wounds. Other speakers were the Minister of Rehabilitation, Hon. Mr. Skinner; the Mayor of Wellington; the Chairman of the Harbour Board; Colonel C. H. Weston for the R.S.A., and Hon. Mr. Tirikatene for the Maori race.

WEST COAST CONTINGENT. Among the sick, wounded and other personnel who have returned to New Zealand from the Middle East are the following:— Captain G. A. Brown, Greymouth. Private A. J. Barber, Dobson. Signalman N. G. Fagerlund, Greymouth. Gunner E. A. C. Holmes. Blackball. Signalman M. E. McGifford, Hokitika. Private E. Norris, Westport. Returned prisoners of war include the following:— Private J. L. Adamson, Nelson Creek. Corporal W. Greer, Westport.