MEN ON FURLOUGH

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25277, 14 July 1943, Page 2

MEN ON FURLOUGH

450 OTAGO SOLDIERS ARRIVAL DELAYED The men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. returning to Otago on furlough are expected to reach Dunedin by train this morning. The train was originally due to arrive about 6.35 a.m., but, owing to the ferry steamer being delayed by heavy weather, it will not now arrive until later in the morning. A message received from Christchurch by telephone stated that the ferry steamer did not arrive outside the mole at Lyttelton until 11.30 p.m., after a trip of 15 hours. Owing to the strong south-westerly wind, trouble was experienced in berthing, and the ship did not tie up until 0.25 a.m. The train which was waiting to take the men to Christchurch was not expected to reach the city before 2.30 a.m.. A very large crowd had been waiting at Christchurch station since 11.30. The complement for Otago is 450, and comprehensive arrangements have been made for the reception of the men and speedy transport to their llOHieS. ... , *o = n An earlier train will carry about 350 men for stations south of Dunedin. The trip will be broken here for 20 minutes while the soldiers are provided with refreshments by the Otago Patriotic Council. The train carrying the personnel for Dunedin and surrounding districts will be met by five bands. These will cease playing when the train reaches the platform. After a short welcome by the Mayor (Mr A. H. Allen) through the railway station loud speaker, the men will be presented with scarfs and mittens by the women workers of the Otago Patriotic Council. _ No one will be allowed on the Railway Station platform on the arrival of ‘the train with the men for Dunedin, but a special enclosure outside the main entrance to the station will be provided where the next-of-kin will meet their soldier relatives. Ar-' rangements for over 400 cars to transport the soldiers and their next-of-kin home with the least possible delay have been made by the chief traffic inspector, Mr E. H. Barrett. Streets in the vicinity of the station are to be picketed before the arrival of the train, and private cars will not be allowed within three locks of the station. . Men arriving by the second tram whq do not live in Dunedin or its suburbs will be conveyed to the Services’ Welcome Club for a meal, and their' subsequent transport to their homes will be arranged for by the army authorities.

At all wayside stations where men are expected to alight arrangements haVe been made to transport them and their next-of-kin to their homes.