The Dominion.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume IX, Issue 81, 20 March 1919, Page 5

The Dominion.

COMINC HOME. ATHENIC DRAFT. ENTHUSIASTIC WELCOME. Wellington, March 20. A most enthusiastic reception was given this morning to the 748 officers and men who returned by the Atlicnic and to 181 soldiers’ wives who came out by the vessel. The weather was line and the general public turned out in thousands. The steamer came alongside tho King's wharf shortly before 8. The landing arrangements were carried out without a hitch. ’J.ho Civil Service girls’ choir and the choir ot the Patriotic Society Band and Salvation Army Band took part. The soldiers’ wives were entertained at morning tea at the Town Hall by the .Mayoress, and the men were entertained at the Returned Soldiers’ Club. TAINI I LEAVES PLYMOUTH. London, March IS). The Tainui has sailed from Plymouth with 500 New Zealanders, including convalescents. The King and Queen in a letter to all Dominion ttoops says:-- “We wis.fi you God speed ami a safe return to home and dear ones. Your grateful country is proud of your splendid services, characterised by unsurpassed devotion and courage.” N.Z.E.F. STRENGTH IN ENGLAND AND FRANCE. Wellington, March 20. The Minister tor Defence has received a cablegram giving the following particulars of the disposition of members of New Zealand Expeditionary Force ■ In France .. 6,019 In CnileiJ kingdom 22.2(1.1 Patients in Hospital in I’nited Kingdom 4,000 Married Men with Wives and Families in L'nited Kingdom 1.396 Nurses and Red Cross Workers to lie evacuated 368 Total Abroad 33,956 Total evacuated from England to New Zealand since Armistice 12,830 NAPIER'S RECEPTION ARRANGEMENTS. The Napier Returned Soldiers’ Reception Committee met yesterday, when it was decided to receive the men who arrived by the Athenic and all future drafts in a similar manner as those who arrived ex tlie Hororuta Oil Monday. It is ividerstood some 30 or 40 men will arrive to-morrow night or possibly to-night. Cars will be provided for the soldiers and the City Band will bo in attendance. It is hoped to arrange for all the returning mon to be entertained in a public manner. Another draft arrives in Wellington bv the Aiana. at an early date and fully '30,000—10,000 of which are now en route —are expected during the next four months.