HOME AGAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1588, 17 March 1919, Page 5

HOME AGAIN.

THE MAIN BODY DRAFT. A GREAT V.-aLCOME. Tlic arrival by the Mararoa of a largo number of Main Body and other long-'■-prvice soldiers, comprising portion of the llororuta's draft, was marked yesterday morning by large gatherings of the public at the Lyttelton wharves and Christchurch railway station. The Mararoa was signalled about 9.30 and the few enthusiasts who walked around towards "the Heads to catch a first glimpse of the lads who had been away so long, noted the fact that the vessel was bedecked with bunting in honour of the passengers she carried. As the Mararoa neared the wfiarf the Mayor of Lyttelton (Mr W. T. Lester) mounted a pile, and called upon the assembled crowd to give the returning boys a cheer as hearty and rousing; as that given them when they went forth to fight. The crowd complied heartily with the request. As the vessel drew alongside there were the usual handshakes, and the lads, without waiting for the gangway to be put up, scrambled over the side, and many d them were soon in the arms of their women-folk. Some of the soldiers *!:»,■«, selves congratulated one anoth*r oa having reached home, the comrjon salutation being "Landed it old Shap—landed it,"

The whole work of dis*«barkation and entraining was carried out with commendable expedition. Oa the train journey to Christchurch, groups of cheering residents were assembled at the suburban stations en routs, and the few soldiers who alighted at these stations, as nearest to their home*, were given a joyous welcome. At Christchurch severv? thousands of people were gathered at Moorhouse Avenue, filling the road space from Colombo Street to Madras Street A multitude of flags was in evidence, also a big calico streamer bearing the words "Ayelcoine.Home." The C.Y.C. Band, St. Michael's Boy Scout Band and Senior Cadets' Bugle Band were on parade. The station itself was closed to the public, only the Mayor of Christchurch and the Mayoress (Mr and Mrs H. Holland) and a few leading oilicials being allowed on the platform. As the train entered the station, the bands played "See the Conquering Hero Comes, "i the great crowd cheering lustily and the motor horns "tooting" at the same time. Those on the station platform gave three cheers at the call of the Mayor.

The Canterbury Automobile Association bad made adequate provision for dispatching the boys to their homes, some 270 motor cars being provided. The work of getting- the cars off was carried out excellently under the supervision of Messrs A. S. Clarkson, W. 11. Tisdall, J. S. Hawke's, P. S. Nicholls and C. W. Hervey, with whom the city traffic inspector (Mr Mcintosh) co-operated. The military arrangements all through were expeditiously carried out under Major ! Matthews and officers of tho local staff. | • The Hororat'a's draft included 350 men for Otago, ISO for South Canterbury, i;i7 !for Christchurch and North Canterbury, and 48 for the West Coast. ' Those for the south were sent on to their homes without delay. The West Coast men are being entertained this afternoon at Otnhuna, the residence of Colonel the Hon. E. If. Rhodes. The Reception Committee arranged the outing, aud tea will be served in the grounds by the lady members of tho committee. Motor cars, provided by the Canterbury Automobile Association, loft the Wellington Hotel at 2 p.m. A special reception is to be tended the Canterbury men to-morrow afternoon, at. the Colosseum, and Main Body men, already returned, are invited to be present. The official welcome will take place at 2 p.m., and the men will be entertained to tea afterwards. Each soldier is permitted to bring throe relatives with him if he so desires. ATHENIC DUE WEDNESDAY. Press Association. WELLINGTON, March 17. The Atbenie, with troops from London, via Panama, will arrive at Wellington on Wednesday next.