HEARTY WELCOME

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVII, Issue 23181, 20 April 1945, Page 4

HEARTY WELCOME

Timaru Men Return From War

Enthusiastic Reception At Station A rousing welcome was given to about 90 men who returned yesterday afternoon from service with the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force on the Mediterranean front, when a dense crowd thronged the vicinity of the railway station. Looking fit and well, with bronzed complexions, men . were soon the centre of many happy family reunions on the platform to which next-of-kin only were admitted. After an absence of four, and in some cases five years, the reunion in the presence of several thousand spectators must have been something of an ordeal, and there was a certain poignancy because of the servicemen who will never return. Although the special train was officially due shortly after 3.30 p.m. it was not till a few minutes after 5 o’clock fhat the blowing of whistles announced its pending arrival, and there was an agitated rush by next-of-kin to find their men. In but a few minutes happy family groups sorted themselves out and it was not long before they made their appearance at the main entrance to the station from which the soldiers, burdened with kitbags, were obliged to force their way through a narrow lane in the press of spectators to the waiting cars which were driven by members of the Red Cross transport section. Their appearance was the signal for applause and cheers, one party of girls leading the ovation for each man. After a few minutes’ delay while photographs were taken the men and their relatives were driven to their homes. Owing to the large number returning it was impossible for the Mayor (Mr A. E. S. Hanan) to greet them at the station, so in company with the District Rehabilitation Officer (Mr A. N. Campbell) and Mr Bell of the Rehabilitation Department, he joined the train at Orarl. Official cards expressing appreciation of their services, cigarettes, tickets for the pictures and for the, “Salute to Old Comrades” concert, which has been arranged by the Mayor to take* place at the end of the month, were distributed, and Mr Hanan had a brief chat with each of them, as did the officers of the Rehabilitation Department. Members of the South Canterbury Executive of the Returned Services' Association officially welcomed the men on their arrival at the station. Selections by the Timaru Highland Pipe Band under Drum-major A. D. Stewart enhanced the welcome, and the lavish display of flags and hunting, both in Station Street and in Stafford Street, added - to the festivity of the occasion. At the request of the Mayor business premises closed to permit employees to take part in the welcome.