FROM MIDDLE EAST

Grey River Argus, 1 May 1944, Page 3

FROM MIDDLE EAST

Sick and Wounded NEARLY 500 MEN RETURN. P.A. WELLINGTON, April 29. Nearly five hundred men, who had served in the Middle East and Italy, and who are now suffering from wounds or sickness, returned to New Zealand recently and were given an official welcome on behalf of the Government and the people. They in " eluded Captain Matarepua Wikiriwhi, who has gained the unusual distinction of winning the D. 5.0., as a 2nd. Lieutenant for an exploit at' Takrouna Heights. Later, in Italy, he led an advanced unit into Casslno.

The Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) thanked all three services for the immense- service they had given to the country and the cause of the Allied Nations. The Minister of Defence (the Hon. \F. Jones) said it was gratifying to see such a large number of Maoris among the returned men. They had fought gallanflv alongside the pakehas. in the various campaigns. Mr. W. E Leadley. representing the R.S.A.. paid a tribute from the old diggers to the new, and Mr. Hapi Love addressed a short welcome in Maori. The Minister of Rehabilitation (Major C. F. Skinner), also spoke, and Lieutenant-Colonel W. P. P. Gordon, officer commanding troops on the hospital ship, replied to the welcome. WEST COASTERS IN PARTY. The following West Coasters were included in the party of sick, wounded and other personnel of the Second N.Z.E.F. who recently returned to New Zealand from the Middle East:— Hill, Eileen M. F., Pte. (father, Mr J. L. Hill, Dobson. Brunnerton). Borlace, Gordon S„ Pte. (mother, Mrs. C. Borlase, Brougham Street. Westport). , Dale. Edmund A., Pte. (father, Mr. E. A. Dale. Woodstock). McLaughlan, Donald FI., Cpl. (mother, Mrs. E McLaughlan, 131 Ward Street, Cobden). Wilson-Croft, Cornelius. J., Tpr. (sister. Mrs. M. D.. Sawyers, 33 Queen Street, Westport).