WAR BRIDES ARRIVE ON RANGITIKI

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 38, 15 February 1946, Page 3

WAR BRIDES ARRIVE ON RANGITIKI

A “MARVELLOUS” VOYAGE (P.A.) Wellington, Feb. 4. One hundred and fifty war brides of New Zealand servicemen and more than 40 children arrived from Britain by the Rangitikei to-day after a voyage of 43 days. All agreed that the trip had been “marvellous.” “After six years of rationing the food was wonderful and we were all very well looked after by the ship’s company, especially the stewards,” said one. “Mothers with young children received special attention.” Some of the brides are going to the West Coast of the South Island and others to Auckland. All are looking forward to their new life in New Zealand.

The trip was one of the best the Rangitiki has ever made and most passengers did not miss a singe meal. More than 350 passengers boarded the Rangitiki in Australia for New Zealand and they complained at the ship’s being overcrowded. Some who

were interviewed said that people who boarded the ship in Australia walked off again in disgust after inspecting the accommodation and complained also of the food, saying that only one course was offered and it was a case of take it or leave it. A conspicuous arrival among the passengers was Sergeant. N. G. David' son, who wore across his shoulders the military uniform and title of the Palestine police. He is a New Zea-

lander from I’e Horn, who has been waiting nine months at Suez for a well-earned live months' furlough here after joining up in 1938. liis force must be distinguished from the Palestinian police, who are Arabs. Part time he is on C.I.D. duties in Jerusalem, necessitating the use of three languages - - English, Hebrew and Arabic. JJe said the police had their hands full in Palestine because they were under-staffed and the place was full of terrorist activity. When asked if the outbreaks were sponsored by the people themselves or bands of extremists, Sergeant Davidson said ostensibly the extremists. He would not comment further.