HOME FROM WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25343, 26 October 1945, Page 6

HOME FROM WAR

AUCKLANDEBS ABBTVE

WARM WELCOME AT STATION Two special trains brought soldiers 1 sailors and airmen who arrived in Zealand on the troop transport Andes to Auckland yesterday morning. The first train, which arrived shortly hefnro / a m., brought 188 officers and other ranks for centres north and Soli th of Auckland, those whose nomes are in the city and suburbs arriving by the second train at about 7.50 a .m. Transport from the railway station was provided by the Army, the Rod Cross Transport Corns and the Commercial Travellers' Association.

The men stated on arrival that the trip from Wellington had been noteworthy for the welcomes which had been accorded them all along the route. Even in the early hours of yesterdav morning people had congregated at Vajside stations and cheered the train. Although many still felt keen disappointment at the delayed arrival at Lyttelton, these enthusiastic welcomes en-, route had cheered the men considerably and tW arrived in. good spirits.

Excited reunions with friends and relatives left no room for thoughts of organised protests, hut two carriages hearing Large chalked signs, "Auckland or Bust," '"Welcome Excent on Sundays or Labour Day," "Weren't We Worth the Bother!-" and "We Want the Wharfies," showed that the men still felt keen resentment at the delay. As each train approached there was a wild cheer from the large crowd assembled on the platform at the Auckland railway station, to the accompaniment of train whistles and band music, The waiting relatives co-operated with the authorities in keeping the proceeding* orderly, but gave full vent to their feelings of relief once the men had left the carriages.

WELCOME IN WHANGARET

PROCESSION" THROUGH TOWN (0.C.) Vt'HAXGAREI, 'Thursday A draft, of men from the three gprvices returning from overseas reached Whangarei by road transport just aftei midday, having left Auckland in th« morning alter the arrival of the.train from Wellington. The convoy was led through the town by the Whangarei Pipe Band, while the main streets wore befiagced ami lined by members of the public. After refreshments at the Army camp in Whangarei, the men were taken to their homes by Army transport.