THE ARRIVAL OF THE TOFUA.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XL, Issue 11408, 27 October 1915, Page 8

THE ARRIVAL OF THE TOFUA.

OUR WOUNDED SOLDIERS

RECEIVE ENTHUSIASTIC OVATION.

Par Press Association

Dunedin, Oct. 27

The military and medical authorities got through their arduous task in examining the men of the Tofua and the compilation records must expeditiously and, by 8 a.m., the work of disembarkation was practically completed. Everything worked without a hitch and Dnnedin rather excelled itself in extending a cordial welcome to the soldiers. The weather was glorious and a general forenoon holiday was observed. The long line of route from the wharf to the new Drill Hall, at Kensington, was crowded with citizens, interspersed with many bands and cheering was continuous throughout. The soldiers were conveyed in motor cars which, going at a brisk pace, took fifteen minutes to pass a given xioint. The concourse was impressed by the brightness of the soldiers, who had benefited remarkably by the splendid voyage of the Tofua. At the Drill Hall, where a civic reception was accorded them, the men received an ovation. The enormous Drill Hall was filled for the civic reception and the arrangements admirable. The Maoris got a particularly enthusiastic ovation.

The speakers were the Hons. Allen and Russell and the Mayor. The Primate offered a prayer of thanksgiving.

The Hon. Allen said: “If for every soldier disabled two more of tbe same breed volunteered everything would go on all right.”

The Hon. Mr Russell stated that the men would be nursed back to thorough convalescence and when they had attained the same mental and physical fitness as at tbe time of enlistment they would be offered an opportunity either to return to the front or given employment under the Hon. Mr Herdman’s Department in poultry, fruit, or, he hoped, dairy farming. He had given instructions to the medical officers not to be too hard on the men during convalescence.

The men left for north and south by special trains at 11.40 and 11.50. The soldiers on their departure received a great send-off by a crowd of over five thousand. The northern train should reach Christchurch shortly after eight.

The destinations of the men are as follows:—Canterbury 88, Wellington and Nelson 23, Auckland 91, Southland 29.