RETURNING SOLDIERS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIII, Issue 74, 28 March 1919, Page 4

RETURNING SOLDIERS

WELCOMED IN WELLINGTON. i United Press Association.} 1 WELLINGTON, March 27. The Wellington arid Southern sections of the Ajana’s draft arrived at Thorndon station at 2.2Q p.m. to-day, and were given a hearty welcome by a large assemblage of the public _ Representatives of the Wellington Returned Soldiers’ Association and the Clubhouse Society always do good work. At a recent welcome a sign on an adjacent shed reminded the “Diggers” that good cheer awaited them at the Returned Soldiers’ Club, and large numbers went there, says the Post Some of the married men brought their wives and thus the rooms looked what -they claimed to be—“a home away from home.” The members of an energetic ladies’ committee were well prepared with refreshments for the invasion, and a very pleasant time was passed. Music and the varied happy tones ot many voices in brisk : chat over lea arid cakes made the. club an inspiriting place, there was no dulness, no oppressive, boresome formality. •Tiiis kind of welcome will be given to all succeeding drafts. The local club acts for the general public of New Zealand; all ‘‘Digged” are the same “Digger” at the Wellington Club. Evei'v- i thing is free for all. In order to main- j tain this cheerful entertaining of the 1 Dominion’s soldiers the management of, the club is hopeful that financial i help ' will come from well-wishers outside of Wellington. _ Appeals are being made ; to local citizens, but it is felt that an institution which does a good turn for all returning soldiers well deserves support from people in other districts. ‘ i