SOLDIERS RETURN HOME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17381, 30 January 1920, Page 4

SOLDIERS RETURN HOME

ARRIVAL OF THE RUAP.EHU.

AN UNEVENTFUL VOYAGE.

SMALL DRAFT FOR AUCKLAND.

The transport Ruapehu,, with a returning draft, numbering 176 of all ranks, including 35 men for this district, arrived at Auckland yesterday morning. Major J. R. London, Canterbury Regiment, of Sydney, was in command, and Captain H. S. Hills, M.C.; Otago Regiment, of Lyall Bay, was ship's adjutant. The other officers were Lieutenant 0. 0. 'T. P. MbKensie, Mounted Rides, Wellington, who was Forms Officer, Major W. Bruce, 0.8. E., Medical Corps, Auckland, who wa& senior medical officer, and Lieutenant R. W. St. Leger, Rifle Brigade, of Lower Hutt. /

I Major Bruce bad just estab'ished a medical practice in Auckland when war broke out, and at once volunteered. The distinction of tin. Order of the British Empire was conferred upon him in recognition of his work wA'n the Medical Corps. Captain Hills wo-. V* decoration in August, 1918. Lieutenant St. Lege, was a. Alain Body man, being a corporal ' i the Rifle B-igade. iiurir + : 1917, when his brigade was attached to the French Array, he waj awarded the French bronze medal with palms. He was then sent to an officer training corps and given a commission. The rank and file on board included men of the Main Body, down to some of the latest reinforcements. The voyage was uneventful, but was thoroughly enjoyed by the majority, although somewhat unduly prolonged. The mteamer left Plymouth on December 1. calling at Santa Crui, Canary Mauds and Durban. Five days were spent at 1 urban, ari the troo,». with the w.v.'s and children, were hospitably entertained. The congregation of the Wesley Hall provided meals at any hour of the day, the facilities being greatly appreciated. At flobart the Mayor gave a reception to the triops, and the" visit was made pleasurable The vessel left Hobart on January 23. On the west coast of Africa the Ruapehu made somewhat slow progress, attributed to the poor quality of coal being used. The accommodation, vitualling, and entcrtaii-neiits on board were all declared to have been satisfactory. , ... As the vessel berthed yesterday a military band played lively airs. Welcome refreshments were provided in one of the large sheds by ti* Ministering Council of the Women's "Patriotic League, and members of the Volunteer Motor Corps conveyed the men belonging to the city and suburbs to their home*. A. special train left Auckland at 7.30 last everting with a number of soldiers for destinations, beyond Frankton JunoMpn) and the South..- Other men left earlier in the di.y for the Northern Wairoa and for stations as far as Frankton. The remainder will travel today to Thames, Paeroa, Waihi, Whangarei, and Hokianga.