HOME AGAIN.

Northern Advocate, 15 May 1918, Page 3

HOME AGAIN.

WOUNDED AND SICK SOLDIERS.

AUCKLAND, May 15

Of the 541 New Zealanders who returned by a hospital ship yesterday the majority are suffering from gunshot wounds, but owing to the exceedingly beneficial effect of the voyage there has been a very great improvement in their condition. The excellent progress made by the wounded is indicated by,the fact that on leaving England the cot cases totalled 250, which number .was .reduced to eighty before the vessel arrived at Auckland. There is.a proportion of sufferers from lung troubles brought about by the effect of "gassing" and the resulting weakening of the lungs. A trip that was marked by very fine weather and very happy conditions generally was marred by the deaths of two soldiers—Private C. Thomas, who lived at Tuatapere, Southland, died at sea on April 18 last, and was buried in latitude 15deg 5Gm north and longitude 75deg 51m West. Private C. T. W. McKinley, formerly a resident of Balclutha, died on April 23, and was buried at au> American port. He a full military funeral, and the firing party at the graveside consisted of a squad of American soldiers.

Several American ports were called at on the way home, and the reception given to the New Zealand soldiers at each of the towns was a most enthusiastic one. At the first port of call the hospital ship was met five miles out by a tug carrying a military band that played the soldiers into harbour. A special train wan waiting for the vessel, and all of the soldiers who were capable of walkingwere taken to a large establishment called Gilbert House, where they were entertained liberally. At another port the ship was met by a big contingent of private motor cars, and the astonishing spectacle of motor car owners actually quarrelling for the possession of the patients was witnessed. There were not quite enough soldiers to go round, and some of the generous American citizens were exceedingly disappointed when they were unable to take charge of a New Zealander. The soldiers were entertained 'as guests in the private homes of the Yankees, where they were treated to all manner of good things to eat, and were given a right good time. When the hospital ship was in England she was equipped with all the latest appliances for massage treatment, and during the voyage the men needing this branch of medical attention were greatly benefited. The massage staff worked at high pressure throughout

the voyage, over 7000 treatments having been administered.' The men express themselves as delighted with the treatment they have received during the yoya'ge.