SPECIAL TRAM HIRED

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23321, 3 October 1945, Page 2

SPECIAL TRAM HIRED

Soldier Greeted By 54 Relatives (N.Z.P.A.) AUCKLAND. Oct. 1. A spectacular home-coming awaited Corporal C. Stewart, of Papakura, when he arrived at Auckland this morning. Stepping off the second troop train from Wellington, he was greeted by no fewer than 54 of the 76 members of the Stewart family. To get them all to the house at Point Chevalier. where a luncheon was held, a special tram was used. Gaily bedecked with ferns and flags “Stewarts’ Special.’’ as the tram was boldly labelled, made a triumphal journey from the railway station through the city and western suburbs. All on board were descendants of the late Mr and Mrs D. B. Stewart. Corporal Stewart is the “baby” of 15 children —eight girls and seven boys. He left with the Seventh Reinforcements. His mother died shortly afterwards. The founders of the family had 38 grandchildren and six great-grand-children. The object of the family in hiring the tram was not to create a sensation, but merely to take advantage of what appeared the easiest and most economical method of travelling from the station to ilie scene of I lie luncheon.