DEPARTURE OF SERVICEMEN

Southland Times, Issue 25835, 21 November 1945, Page 6

DEPARTURE OF SERVICEMEN

BRITISH TRIBUTE TO HOSPITALITY (P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 20. Two hundred repatriated British servicemen who arrived in Auckland from Japan by the hospital ship Tjitjalengka on October 3 waved farewell from the aircraft carrier Reaper when she sailed at 11 o’clock this morning. Few of the men were recognizable from the wan wasted victims of Japanese neglect and brutality, many of whom had to be assisted down the gangway just six weeks ago. Laughing and sun-tanned the men bore visible evidence of the careful nursing and attention they had received in hospitals in the province. The only grumble heard from the men today was that they could not remain longer in the Dominion instead of going to Sydney, where they will stay until they join the Aquitania for England about December 18.

At least seven of the men are hopeful of obtaining their discharge in Sydney and returning by the first available ship to New Zealand while others intend to come back here to live later. A number of hospital cases will sail by the Maunganui for England from Wellington next Thursday, including Bandsman George Plimer and his dog Fluff who made the news headlines when they were separated on the arrival of the 'Tjitjalengka at Auckland. As each man went up the gangway this morning he was presented with a Red Cross parcel. “Frankly we are .speechless,” said one officer. “The hospitality we have received here has been overwhelming and will never be forgotten. Will you thank the people of Auckland and other districts, whose names are too difficult to pronounce, for us from the bottom of our hearts.

DELAYED BY ENGINE TROUBLE

Permanente Now Due On Friday (P.A.) AUCKLAND, November 20. Moderating weather is enabling the Matson Line’s 10,005-ton vessel Permanente, which is delayed by engine trouble, to make better speed, and she is now expected to reach Auckland from Rarotonga early on Friday. The Permanente, enroute from San Francisco, left Rarotonga on November 14, and reported on Monday that she would not arrive until Sunday morning. A twin-screw vessel, the Permanente was then running on one engine against strong winds, but today when little more than 530 miles from Auckland she reported better weather and a speed of about eight knots. Repairs to her engine will be made in Auckland, and she is expected to sail for San Francisco via Noumea, Suva, Pago Pago and Papeete on November 30. The 200 passengers on the Permanente include the first Soviet Minister to New Zealand, M. Ziabkin, his wife and staff, and a number of New Zealand servicemen’s wives, children and fiancees.