CREW OF HOLMWOOD

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24506, 15 January 1941, Page 6

CREW OF HOLMWOOD

ARRIVAL AT WELUNGTON AN OFJFICIAL WELCOME MEN GRATEFUL FOR HELP : (Per United Press Association) / ; WELLINGTON; Jan. 14. ■ A warm" welcome was given at" the Railway station to'■: the - crew' .of the Holm wood on arrival from Auckland to-day. Most, of the, men commented that they had hdd an anxious, time and were, very glad to be home again, but some added that they were ready and willing to face the sea again and all its attendant risks as soon as possible. All the men spoke warmly, of the way they had been received in,Australia and. at Auckland. ] Praise was also accorded the Government for the way the wives and mothers of survivors had been kept advised of their ! welfare, and for the prompt way in which war pensions had been paid ,-'■; .•■..'. News .of Joy;. . V - ; -..; ,'•' Our fondest hopes ..have': been ,i realised," said the'Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, welcoming the released prisdn*ers at the railway station, where-they joined Mr and-Mrs Fraser at morning tea in■: the dining rooms • th€r.eV '< Cabinet Ministers were able 'to hear .at first hand something of : the- men's experiences. ' "'■:].-: ■'. ''■■ ■■.■' :; "' : --%. fit.. "I can't describe to you,". Mr-Fraser said, "how the country felt "when the Holmwood was overdue, arid when the Rangitane was sunk, and;we realised that you were probably victims of.the raider." He wanted to tell the men that their wives, had been really wonderful in. /very, trying 'Circumstances. They faced up ; to the situation nobly, and their attitude -had been a great help to the Government,' As word of the increasing bag of the raiders had come through anxiety had increased, and when word of the rescue-was received it could riot be released until they were safe in Australia. 1 To have such news of joy and to have to keep it to hiniself had proved one/oi' the most trying experiences he. had ever gone through. :•■■ •>! Ready to Sail Again Captain Miller thanked the Prime Minister and the Government for- the welcome arid for the assistance that had been given to relatives ofvthe men while. they were missing., 'He echoed the Prime Minister's/hope' that hone of them would again fall into the hands of raiders, but nevertheless assured Mr Fraser that they would all be glad to take up their duties at "sea once more. .•• ■ ■;>.. ..-/.-• ?'. . Among 1 those present, at the.,station was Mr. P. .Isbester; third officer-of the Wairuna" at the -time - she was captured by the • raider Wolf. Mr Isbester said he was glad to learn that, conditions had changed since the last war. Apparently conditions on the raiders had been fairly good. ; When he was on board the Wolf they were exceedingly trying.' The Wqlfhad no condenser for 'producing fresh water, and she held air the men 'from a dozen or more ships. Even'drinking water was scarce, and. there were no fresh supplies for washing. 'He was nine months on the. raider couped up with dozens of others in the hold, and by the time they reached Gerriiany their clothes were jso rotten thai they were falling off. --'.; •:-■-.~. '•£•'.' r •.,">; Aid,for Dependents ■ The men were also welcomed back on behalf of the Merchant ..Service Guild by Captain FV.A. MaclridOe, who said he had had a very, busy time keeping their wives advised. of the position while- they; were sbs|nfciH,e thanked the Government for the -way that provision l had been'riiade for the wives and families during the - men's absence. ■ ' ' .' -.,.', Mr F. P. Walsh, v/secretary, of-the Cooks and Stewards'- Uniori;. was. also at .the station. ■■' ;':-.;*->.."•-•.,.-;">". "--' ;>