FROM OVERSEAS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 207, 2 August 1941, Page 6

FROM OVERSEAS

RETURNING SOLDIERS. MAYOR TO BE ADVISED. In future the ALayoi (Air A. E. Alanslord) is to be notified direct by the authorities in AA’oliiiigton when troops who have returned from overseas will he passing through Palmerston North, with particulars of the number in each party. This is the outcome of a letter Air Alansiord sent to the Alinister of Defence (Air Jones) some time ago. when he pointed out that he had been unable to ascertain when returned soldiers were arriving at Palmerston North and also when they might l>e passing through. The Minister’s letter states: “In the past tin' custom has been to advise the Alayor, patriotic bodies, etc., of all soldiers who will he detraining at points on route. At the same time very complete arrangements have been made for the provision of meals (at regular meal hours) for these men, and the assistance of local representatives of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, Red Cross, etc,, has been availed ot wherever necessarv.

“Your suggestion that parties ot men passing through Palmerston North should be provided with tea, etc., at other than regular meal hours (as, for instance, in the ease ot returned soldiers proceeding north by the Limited express) is much appreciated, and instructions have now been issued that you arc in future to be notified direct of the time of their arrival and of the strength of the party on the train.”