HEROES RETURN

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 9096, 15 July 1915, Page 7

HEROES RETURN

WILLOCHRA’S WOUNDED

TROOPSHIP ANCHORED IN THE HARBOUR. ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC RECEPTION. When Wellington residents and visitors to the capital look out over the harbour first thing this morning, they will see, anchored in the stream, the troopship Willochra, which entered the Heads shortly before midnight, bringing tho first batch of sick and wounded New Zealanders back from tbo Dardanelles. The company number 275 officers and men. Their return to the Dominion will be made a great occasion. Parliament will not sit, so that Ministers and members will be free to welcome the returned heroes who fell in taking part in what has been described as the greatest military feat in history; the public is invited to attend for a like purpose; and many gatherings will be postponed so that a reception full of cordiality and high appreciation may bo given. The Willochra- will berth at the Glasgow wharf, and the men will disembark at 2 p.m. Motor-cars, provided by the Wellington Automobile Club and nrivate citizens, will convey tEo men to the Town Hall (main entrance) via Lambton quay, Willis street, Manners street, and Lower Cuba street. Car-owners willing to lend four-seaters-; and over ore asked to be at the Glasgow wharf by 1.30 p.m. It is anticipated that there will be a universal display of bunting in the city. The public will he admitted to the Town Hall galleries by the Wakefield street entrance only, the main entrance being reserved for tho admission of the soldiers, their, relatives, and those taking part in the ceremony. Relatives may obtain tickets, of admission from the town clerk’s office from 9 o’clock this morning. Speeches of welcome will he given by His Excellency the Governor, the Prime Minister (the Hon. W. F. Massey), the Minister for Defence (the Hon, Jomes Allen), and Sir Joseph Ward, leader of the Opposition. The Mayor (Mr J. P. Luke) will occupy the chair. , Mr Luke has requested employers to give their employees time off to be present at the reception. The .city and suburban State schools will he closed this afternoon.