ANZACS RETURN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19622, 3 May 1938, Page 11

ANZACS RETURN

MEMORABLE TRIP <■ SPiRiT OF EX-SOLDIERS “FIVE WONDERFUL DAYS” MAGNIFICENT HOSTS BETTER UNDERSTANDING (Tor Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. With flags flying, the Maunganui and Monowai returned yesterday with 1400 ex-soldiers, who had participated in the Anzac Day celebrations in Sydney. The return trip was uneventful, good weather being experienced all the way. The men were a very fine lot — everyone a thorough gentleman,” said an officer of the Monowai. The two ships crossed the Tasman ip company, the Maunganui being sightly astern of the Monowai, and were in sight of each other most of the way, a slight haze during the last, two days obscuring them at times. Between 30 and 40 men returned by the Awatea which also arrived from Sydney yesterday. One man missed the troopships at Sydney, but he was not much later than his comrades in arriving here, for he returned by the Awatea. Mr. Vincent Ward, a member of the contingent who returned by theMonowai, said the trip was mcmor- , able and historic, being marked by some indefinable spirit which was in everybody’s heart. Never once did he hear a growl or complaint or a bad word spoken. One Digger lost his wallet in the crowd at Wellington, and when this was known, everyone aboard subscribed to refill it. March to Cenotaph Describing the march to the Cenotaph in Martin Place after the arrival in Sydney, Mr. Ward said: “We were all proud of one another and of New Zealand. We marched well, we looked well in dark suits and grey hats, and all wearing the same tie of silver and black. The thousands of Ausllraliai*!, -intermingled with (the New Zealanders, seemed to take us to their hearts and cheered and clapped as we marched along.” Mr. Ward also said that as hosts the Australians were truly magnificent. They showed their national characteristics and every New Zealander received hospitality and goodfellowship far beyond all expectations. Mr. Ward described the scenes on Anzac Day as wonderful, and said the days that followed Anzac Day were days they would always carry with them as a pleasant dream. The send-off at Sydney was on a par with everything else that was crowded into the five wonderful days. He was satisfied that no previous event in bur history had done more to bring about an understanding between Australia and New Zealand. Mr. Ward said the Australian police were comrades all, not only for the New Zealand men but the Australians too. "On Anzac afternoon they could be seen playing troops with the boys,” said Mr. Ward. "I saw one wheeling a Digger in a wheelbarrow to his ship. Only once did I see a fight, and an Australian lady said: ‘Boys, you should not fight, but kiss and be friends,’ And they did.” ; This morning a wreath was placed on the war Memorial on behalf of Australian ex-servicemen.

In anticipation of the entertainment needs of the projected assembly of correspondence pupils, the Gisborne Thirty-Thousand Club had made some progress in' arranging for the services of well known' local talent. The ar- ■ rangements, which promised well, have been abandoned owing to flooo damage on the highways having led to the suspension of the plans. For the co-operation of all those approached, the Gisborne Thirty-Thous-and Club expresses its appreciation.