HOME AGAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 593, 4 January 1916, Page 11

HOME AGAIN.

WOUNDED SOLDIERS RETURN. ARRIVAL OF THE MAHENO. SEVENTEEN LAND AT LYTTELTON. Stained and weather-worn, her spic and span appearance faded by the stress of weather in many climates, the hospital ship Mahcno, bearing 17 wounded soldiers for Canterbury, arrived at Lyttelton this morning. Lyttelton residents turned out in force to throng the pier and welcome the men home, and friends and relatives from Christchurch anxiously awaited the coming of the ship. ! The Maheno entered the moles about 10.30 a.m., ami had berthed 10 minutes later. Eager faces on the decks scanned the wharf in search of relatives and friends, and joyous salutations were exchanged as the vessel made fast. Although the traces of recent sufferings were apparent in most faces, the men were remarkably cheerful, obviously glad to be back, and apparently well on the road to rehabilitated health. Major Mcddings represented the Canterbury Military District, Mr W. H. Cooper represented the City Council in the absence of the Mayor, Mr Neville represented the town clerk, and Messrs J. T. Norton and L. A. Stringer represented Lyttelton Borough Council. As soon as the vessel had berthed the official party boarded her, and extended a welcome to the men. Miss Thurston, matron of the Christchurch Hospital, welcomed back the nursing sisters. THE MEN WELCOMED. The official welcome to the men look place in the music room on board. ;. "It is my privilege," said Mr Norton, "on behalf of Lyttelton and of Canterbury, to extend to you a hearty welcome back to our shores.' When we remember what you have done on that great Peninsula, the fight you have put up for liberty and justice and for the great British Empire, our hearts go out to you in Admiration, We are heartily sorry indeed for those who are sick and buffering. You have nobly made Ilie great self-sacrifice, a sacrifice that will live down the ages to come. It may be well said of you that you are of the Bulldog breed." He trusted that they would soon recuperate, and be able to go back to finish the task they had commenced. Cr Cooper extended the men a welcome on behalf of the city of Christchurch. It gave him great pleasure to see them back from the scene of the mighty conflict, after the wonderful things they had done for the Dominion and the Empire. It grieved him to see so many maimed, some of them possibly for all time, but be hoped it would not be long before they were restored again to health. He trusted the time would •not be far distant when every man who had left our shores would be back again, and this mighty murder would be at an end.. He hoped, and he believed, that the back of the (war had been broken; and it would inot be long before it would end. CANTERBURY MEN. i Tiie following arc the names of the Canterbury men:— Captain I<\ IS. Brown, Christchurch. Lieutenant J. \V. Crampton, Christchurch. 1 \\. .1. Anderson,'Christchurch. A. L. L. Brown (cot case), Christchurch. ] E. W. Clarkson. , W. f. Hesscll, Tlmnnr. : | C. J. Hughes, Christchurch. ! A. A. Hunt, Walmiitc. I A. L. Lindsay, Timaiu. J. J. Logan, Kaiapoi. P. B. Moodie, Tiinnru. ! J. Mitchell, Timaru. H. F. Hodgcrs, Christchurch. ! W. Turner, Christchurch. : 11. Roxburgh, l Belfast. K, C. White, Timaiu. j V. S. Wilkinson,',Bromley. There are about 20 cases' to be landed at Duliedin, and they will •proceed south in the Maheno this evening. Of the men landed here, only two, Lieut. J. W. Crampton and A. L. L. Brown proceeded to the hospital. A special train conveyed the soldiers and their relatives to Christchurch, where they arrived shortly after midday. They were met by jColonel Chaffcy and staff, and were (at once conveyed' to their homes.

I His Excellency the Governor i(Lord Liverpool) journeyed down ipn Ihc Maheho, anitl will proceed on in the vessel Ibis evening.