HOME AGAIN.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1641, 19 May 1919, Page 4

HOME AGAIN.

CARPENTARIA ARRIVES.

On Saturday evening the troopship Carpentaria with 17 officers and 558 men aboard arrived in Lyttelton. She was declared a clean ship, and was berthed at 7 a.m. yesterday morning, the.Christchurch men arriving in the city about four hours later. Probably owing to the uncertainty of the time of arrival there were very few people on the wharf to welcome the men as the ship berthed. However a special train", with a large number of next-of-kin on board arrived in Lyttelton about 9 a.m. just in time to see the majority of the men come ashore.

When the train steamed into the Christchurch Railway Station a large crowd gave the returning soldiers a most hearty welcome. The Mayor (Dr H. T. J. Thacker, M.P.), and the Mayoress, were amongst those present. The members of the Canterbury Automobile Association provided about 120 cars, to take the local men home. Owing to the large number of next-of-kin who had to be taken also, some of the cars had to make several trips, but by noon all the men were away. There were 232 men for Canterbury," 245 for Otago, 23 for the West Coast, and one for Nelson. The remainder of the soldiers were for the North Island. The men for the south left for their homes by a special train this morning. The men for the North Island will leave by to-night's ferry steamer.

The Carpentaria had a good trip out, and experienced hardly one rough day. She left London on April 3. The journey from England to the Panama Canal was made"in nerfect weather. The vessel stopped one day at Colon to take in coal. From the Panama Canal to New Zealand favourable conditions prevailed exception a couple of days, when nearing the coast of New Zealand. As the Carpentaria is a cargo vessel the accommodation for officers and men was only temporary, so it was fortunate that such good weather was experienced on the voyage. The men on board were happy and contented. The band of the Ist Battalion of the N.Z.R.B. was aboard, and was of great assistance at the various entertainments held on the voyage out. Educational classes were held, and, although none were compulsory, several of the men attended regularly. The people of the Panama Canal area treated the men with great kindness. This hospitality was greatly appreciated by all.

The men had one grievance and that was that they did not receive any wireless news. They did not even hear the result of the referendum on Prohibition in New Zealand. Major G. R. Mitchell, D.5.0., of Timaru, officer commanding the troops on board, said that the behaviour of the men had been excellent throushout.

Compared with other troopships that have been arriving in New Zealand lately the Carpentaria was unique in this respect that there was not one woman aboard.

CHIFFON TAFFETA GOWNS & SKIRTS. At Fowler's, 110 Cashel St. (past Ballantync's), now showing these beautiful Silk Gowns at Bgs. Skirts with pockets and high-gauged belts at 70/-. The high quality and durability of this Chiffon Taffeta in black and blue should commend itself to all ladies requiring a serviceable and highclass material. Our Georgette Blouses in black or blue, with bead trimmings, for 39/6, can be worn with these taffeta skirts, and make a charming afternoon or evening dress. Call and inspect at once, as our stock is limited in this silk. We are selling sgs Costumes for ,'igs all next week, made to measure. Fowler's.