SOLDIERS WELCOMED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17112, 18 March 1919, Page 6

SOLDIERS WELCOMED.

There was more heart and enthusiasm in yesterday's welcome than in any reception given to returned soldiers for many months past. The arrangements were not elaborate, in fac'j they appear to have been devised on a scale which permit of their repetition as succeeding troopships reach port. Though simple in its conception, the welcome struck the right key and went off happily to the joy and satisfaction of soldiers, relatives, and onlookers. Some of the fervour of the day may be attributed to a very natural desire to do special honour to the members of the Main Body and other long service men on the Hororata, but it must have been generally felt that the modest demonstration was no more than is due to every draft of our men who return from strenuous war service. The home-coming of soldiers is no longer saddened by the shadow which, until four months ago, hung over the comrades they had left at the front. Men who return fit and sound from a field of victory can respond to a hearty and exuberant welcome. If they appreciate it we can do no less than give it them, but while we receive with cheers and flags gratitude must not end there. The welcome upon which every returned man will put the highest value will be'the smoothed path back to civilian life, the elbowroom made for him, and the opportunity offered to him to become a strong and self-reliant citizen as he has been a loyal and courageous soldier. This means that we must cease trifling with repatriation and begin to think in earnest of the future of the soldier and to act promptly and ungrudgingly in his interests.