OFFICIAL WELCOME

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 10 February 1944, Page 2

OFFICIAL WELCOME

DRAFT IN WELLINGTON FACILITIES DURING LEAVE Wellington, This Day. The second draft of members of the Second N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East who have returned home on leave were welcomed to-day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) on behalf of the Government and people of the Dominion. The draft included members of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service and New Zealand naval and air personnel who have also come home on leave.

‘ The Government is very pleased that it has been able to make arrangements for another draft of officers, men and nurses who have seen lengthy service to come back on furlough,” said Mr Fraser. “I hope members of the draft who have so well earned a respite from active campaigning will enjoy their stay in New Zealand and that, when their leave period comes to an end, they will be thoroughly refreshed and ready to play whatever part may be allotted them in the future course of the war.

“Consistent with the announced conditions of their furlough, leave members of the draft are being granted full pay and allowances, together with a free pass on the railways during the furlough period. In the case of married men, including those who marry during their furlough, the railway pass will include facilities for their wives.

“Everything possible is being done to enable members of the draft to return to their families and friends as quickly as possible,” concluded Mr Fraser. "We realise this is the wish of all members of the party and, in making arrangements, the Government has had widespread co-opera-tion. I can assure returning nurses and servicemen, including naval and air personnel, that they will receive a warm welcome throughout the Dominion. The Army Department has made arrangements for an announcement to be made in local newspapers of approximate times of arrival of the men at their destination.—P.A. Nelson arrangements for welcome home are on Page 4).