RETURN OF TROOPS.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLV, Issue 11764, 26 February 1919, Page 5

RETURN OF TROOPS.

STRIKES DELAY VESSELS. London, February 4. General Sir John Mouash, Direct-or-General of Repatriation, states that the transports for Australia are mostly being refitted on the {Clyde, in Liverpool, and in London. The continuance of the strikes will seriously hamper the repatriation of the Australians. Five large ships, which were due to sail early in February, have now been delayed, and the.disarrangement will compel a delay in the movement of', troops from France, when the transfer of 13,000 men now under orders has been completed. Under the demobilisation gffiems three field artillery brigades have already been extinguished. Some battalions will shortly be amalgamated, and then brigades and divisions will di.°appear°corsecntively. The demobilisation of airmen has been authorised. A squadron from Egypt will return by the first available ship. Squadrons from France will come to and be shipped in Mtoich and April. The War Office will replace ail aeroplanes and spare parts of equip ment damaged, enabling the corps to be reass ambled in Australia in the highest state of efficiency. The War Office will also replace all worn artillery, machine-guns, and barnsei for transfer to Australia-'