THE NEW ZEALANDERS.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 14095, 2 January 1919, Page 5

THE NEW ZEALANDERS.

COMING HOME WXLL BE EXPEDITED. (From the Official War Correspondent) 26 Dee. The festivities at the New Zealand hospitals were marked by more than the usual gaiety. There has been recently a considerable reduction in the numbers of patients as no wounded men are now coming through, and the majority of patients are those whose more serious wounds are slowly healing, or who are victims of influenza. Concerts, dinners, and dances made the day pass cheerily. The wards were "aily decoratod, prizes being given for the most artistic. Santa Glaus visited each ward, and every "digger" woke to find something in his stocking. At Walton-on-Thames in the evening there was a brilliant scene, when the medical officers, sisters, nurses, and patients dined in the large hall. Speeches were made by Sir Thomas Mackenzie, General Richardson, Colonel O'Neil, Matron Wilson, and others. It is now announced that the division will not form part of the army of occupation in Germany, so demobilisation will proceed more speedily than was originally anticipated. General Richardson, after a brief visit to the division, will proceed toNew Zealand in connection with demobilisation arrangements there. If the Allies send a force to Russia (here will be no New Zealand contingent, and it is understood that any New Zealanders volunteering will have lo .join the British Army.