RETURNING SOLDIERS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3384, 22 January 1919, Page 41

RETURNING SOLDIERS.

ARRIVAL OF TRANSPORT. OVER 700 MEN ABOARD. AUCKLAND, January 20. _ The transport Ruahino arrived early this afternoon with a draft of over 700 officers, nurses, and men. The vessel berthed about 3 p.m., when the work of medically boarding- her complement was immediately proceeded with. The southern men were dealt with first, in order to despatch them for their homes by special train. The troops aboard the vessel were under the oharge of Lieutenant-colonel W. H. Cunningham, D. 5.0., and Lieutenant-colonel H. T. D. Ackland, C.M.G., was the principal medical officer. The Ruahine was the first vessel with overseas troops returning home to negotiate the Channel since the signing of the armistice, and the Mayor and aldermen of Tilbury marked the occasion by giving the troops a hearty farewell. Over 800 British troops assembled at the docks, and massed bands played as the ship steamed off. No leave was granted at Colon, but at Balboa the American Red Cross Society sent Quantities of fruit and sweets aboard. Educational classes were held throughout the One man—Private Cox. of Timaru—died during the voyage, and was buried at sea; while on arrival there were only six cot case's, a reduction of 10 on the number of cot cases taken aboard in England. LIST OF SEVEN SHIRS. The following is a list of transports due shortly at New Zealand ports, with particulars of the number of troops aboard and approximate dates of arrival: No. 205, Ruahine, Auckland, January 18; 715 troops aboard. ■ No. 206, Marama, Auckland, January 27; 557 aboard. ~ , T No. 207, Oxfordshire, Auckland, January 31; 1170 aboard. . No. 208. Malta, no port given; 669 aboard. This draft includes a number of Rarotongans. No. 209, Nestor, no port or date given; 150 aboard. It is possible that this draft may be transhipped by intercolonial No. 210, Wiltshire (from Egypt), no port or date given; 616 aboard. No. 211, Briton, a South Island port, January 28; 1150 aboard. The total number of men due--by the seven ships is 5027. WELLINGTON, January 17. The troopshio Malta, carrying returning draft Number 208 will not reach Wellington till the latter part of January. As soon as the definite date is known it will be officially announced.