600 N.Z. AIRMEN

Grey River Argus, 5 October 1945, Page 4

600 N.Z. AIRMEN

Return From S.W. Pacific P.A. AUCKLAND, Oct. 4. Almost 600 officers and other ranks of the New Zealand Air Force arrived at Auckland to-day in the Union Company’s inter-island ferry steamer ‘’Wahine.” They have been on service in the Solomons, New Britain and the Admiralties. They are now behm sent on leave, as a preliminary to demobilisation. Although the majority of the men came from other parts of the North those from Auckland found a large and eager crowd of their relatives wailing lor them at the wharf. Papakura Camp Band played lively airs as the ship berthed. Airmen and their relatives raised a happy tumult of greetings. An official party boarded the ship at the wharf and welcomed ’ the men back. It was led by the Minister of Defence (Hon. F. Jones). After an official welcome, which was broadcast by the ship’s loudspeaking system, tiie airmen began to disembark. As many as possible were sent to their homes, and others were accommodated overnight at Remucra depot. It is expected every member of the draft will have reached his home in the next few days.