N.Z. BRIDES

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1946, Page 5

N.Z. BRIDES

ON THE “MONTEREY.” (Rec. 7.30.) SYDNEY, February 13. A delay noticeable on the arrival of overseas liners in Sydney was repeated when passengers by, the “Monterey” were held up for five hours ng and the commencement of disembarkation. Many large ships arriving in the morning recently have been unable to start clearing the passengers till the afternoon. Passengers by the “Monterey” blamed “disembarkation bungling and inefficiency of the customs system.” Once off tlie ship, new arrivals had a major task to get their baggage checked, and trains were missed in consequence. The New Zealand brides of American servicemen, -.vho numbered 232, were not permitted to go ashore by the customs people. The position of the New Zealand brides aboard the “Monterey” is that they are travelling under the directive of the American Army, and the general procedure is not to allow them ashore'here. However, if they have friends in Sydney, who are willing to look after them, they are allowed to leave the ship. This action is taken for the protection of the girls, who, in a large, strange city, might, unwittingly, get into undesirable company if allowed full liberty. Eighty-three wives and fortyeight children of United States servicemen are en route from Perth by train to join the “Monterey” to form part of the Australian contingent, of war brides travelling to the United States.