LARGE GATHERING AT THE PORT.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14893, 16 October 1918, Page 1 (Supplement)

LARGE GATHERING AT THE PORT.

Optober 12th

The largest draft of sick and wounded soldiers which has -ever come back to Nelson at any one time arrived by tne Mapourika yesterday morning. Although the vessel was berthed abojut half an hour earlier than expected, a large crowd, which increased as time went on, was on the wharf to .meet the men, among those present being the Deputy Mayor (Mr. T. Pettit), the Mayor of Richmond (Mr W. E. Wilkes), Mr. T. A. H. Field, M.P., and representatives of the Sick and Wounded Soldiers' Fund. As the vessel drew alongside, hearty cheers were given for the men. Brief speeches of welcome by the-Deputy Mayor and Mr. Field were delivered.

Mr. Pettit, after apologising for the absence of the Mayor, who was in Wellington, extended, on behalf of the citizens, a hearty welcome to the returning soldiers, who, he said, to-clay occupied a warmer place in the hearts of the people than ever before. The j had done nobly; and raised the standard of New Zealaml in the. eyes of, the world. He thanked Almigfitjr God: Toi bringing them safely back' again. Or. Pettit added that all were delighted with.the war news that had been coming through during' the last few days, and it was hoped that it would not be necessary for New Zealand to send many more men away. . - Mr. Field said the citizens had assembled on the wharf on many occasions to say farewell to soldiers, but that was the first time they had come to "welcome so many returning men. It was hoped that very soon the farewells would cease, and that instead there would be welcomes to returning men— n\eifci,.coming from victory- -and: after, having helped to secure a permanent; and lasting peace. But for the sfcoanrt-; er arrivino^before the expected hour,, there would have been an even larger gathering to welcome the men. He trusted that those who had been wounded would soon recuperate, and regain their health, that they would have a good holiday, then return to their ordinary occupations, and enjoy long and prosperous lives. He was sure they .would make as good citizens as soldiers. Cheers were then given for the reUirned men, and the nurses, two of whom also came back, and the men who are still fighting at the front. Ample car accommodation was provided for the returned soldiers and their relatives.' ' • ■ : - >A large number of men from the military camps on final leav*> also camp back by the Mapourika, making, quito an imposing array of khaki as the- vessel drew alongside. The following are the names of these who arrived by the Mapourika:— ! For Nelson: Lieutenant Pope, Sister Coster, Privates Haase, Happy, Jane,, M'Noill, Robb and Scott. j Staff Nurse White (Nelson). Privates Fuller, Collihgwood, Gray, Main. Whitingv Yorgensen, Wells, Gili and 'Sanders (Nelson). For Takaka: Privates Davis and Staples. For Kaituna: Sergeant Weaver. Vor Ngatimoti: Sergeant Guy. . r For Spring Grove: Private Hill. For Richmond: Private New. For Wakeneld: Private Pinckney. For Murchison: Corporals Thomson and Blake. Private Batt (Wakefield). Privates Am«y and Hume (Takaka). Sergeant Batt" (Richmond). Private Coventry (Brightwater). Private Funnel (Lower Moutere). Private Hop© (French Pass). Pit/ate Thorn (Motueka). Private Thomason (Orinoco).