HAPPY SCENES AT STATION

Southland Times, Issue 25717, 6 July 1945, Page 4

HAPPY SCENES AT STATION

FORMER PRISONERS WELCOMED The first released prisoners of war to return to their homes in Southland were given a warm welcome on the Invercargill railway station last night. There was a big crowd on the station, and as the express pulled in there was an eager rush to greet the returning men. The men were quickly surrounded by laughing groups of relations and friends as they stepped from the train, and there were many happy reunions while the crowd milled around them. They were cheered lustily, and one man at least was bombarded with confetti by his friends. The Mayor, Mr A. Wachner, welcomed the men on behalf of the citizens. He thanked them for their services to their country and said he hoped they would soon settle down to civilian -life. The president of the R.S.A., Mr W. Bell, also spoke. Representatives of the City Council, the Army, the Red Cross Society and patriotic organizations were present. The returned men, who were all wearing the familiar peaked hats—in contrast to the black and brown berets worn by soldiers on furlough—showed little sign of the effects of imprisonment. They looked fit and happy, but no doubt their stay in England and the long sea voyage had done much to restore them. The majority left the station within a few minutes of the arrival of the express. They had been away for a long time, and they must have been anxious to return to their homes and the intimate family reunions awaiting them. Members of the small party of Air Force personnel who arrived from overseas last night were also welcomed by their friends and relations. The Civic Band welcomed one of its members, Flying Officer L. B. Winsloe. Soldiers and their next of kin who live in the city were carried to their homes in cars provided by the Automobile Association. Transport for men whose homes are in the country was provided by the Army.