Whangarei Welcomes Draft Of Returning Men Today

Northern Advocate, 21 December 1945, Page 6

Whangarei Welcomes Draft Of Returning Men Today

With a crowded station and the main streets of the town thronged with Christmas shoppers, Whangarei gave a fitting welcome to a large draft of returning service personnel this afternoon. The men reached Wellington by the Mooltan yesterday. Although it was a joyous welcome, it has been a previous experience with the Whangarei public, and the cheering was not quite so tumultuous as that given to earlier drafts when the country was still at war. The station was crowded with friends and relatives of the returning men. while ah official party representing the civic and military, as well as interested organisations, was there xo extend a formal welcome.

During the period of waiting for the special train, which was running only a quarter of an hour behind schedule, the Whangarei and County Pipe. Band enlivened proceedings, and on the arrival of the train played martial airs as, a welcome home. TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS Quickly detraining, the men were provided with refreshments by members of the Whangarei Patriotic Activities Committee, and the local men were conveyed to their homes. Many were met by relatives in their own cars, but for others for whom such means of transport was not available, arrangements had been made for the transport section of the Red Cross, as well as Army vehicles, to be at their disposal.

When the special train left Auckland this morning, there were over 100 Northlanders on board, but this number decreased as the train drew nearer to Whangarei, as many detrained at stations south of Whangarei.

The special did not go north of Whangarei, and men from northern

areas were carried forward by the ordinary express running not far behind the special. As the cars carrying the Whangarei men pass\d through the crowded streets, even the busy Christmas shopping was almost at a standstill as shoppers 3 and shop staffs left the“counters to play their part in the welcome home. SUGGEST MINUTE OF REMEMBRANCE Mr D. W. Russell, president of the Christchurch Returned Services’ Association welcoming personnel who returned on the Mooltan yesterday, suggested that the broadcasting authorities call New Zealand to a moment’s silence at 1 p.m. 'on Christmas Day in remembrance of those who laid down their lives during the war.