WARM WELCOME

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 70, 25 April 1941, Page 7

WARM WELCOME

Returning Soldiers From England

ARRIVAL AT WELLINGTON Thirty-nine returning New Zea land n.c.o.’s and men, from England arrived at Wellington yesterday from Auckland. Of these 23 were for the South Island and left Wellington by last night’s steamer express, under Lieut. R. W. Borland, officer in charge of sick and wounded records, Southern Military District.

Some of the men interviewed expressed themselves "anxious to get fit and well again so that they might re turn overseas and join their comrades in the fight against the Ger--mans. They found the journey back monotonous after exciting times in England. A few showed that the’* could rival the Anzacs in the farfetched stories they had to tell for the ■/credulous. One reported reading in a a English paper that the South Island had been bombed and that the population was in gas masks.

Because the men have been returned to New Zealand as sick or wounded it does not mean that they are finished with the Army. Their enlistment for the duration of the war fields good unless they are discharged, as permanently unfit for any military duty. Unless so certified they will be found jobs in the Army in New Zealand or returned to civilian life on leave without pay. In the latter event they are liable-to be called upon for medical examination and, if found to be again up to the required standard, i eturned to the Army. For instance, one soldier who came back to New Zealand in February has now recovered his full strength and health and is re-entering camp, shortly.

~ The men were well looked after on arrival. They were met by representatives of the sick and wounded department of the Army, the town clerk, Mr. E. P. Norman, representing the mayor, Mr. Hislop. Mr. Ward, M.L.C., honorary secretary of the Wellington Provincial Patriotic Council, and Mr M. 8. Galloway of the Red Cross Society.

They were taken to the Salvation Army -hostel at the station for breakfast and then, conveyed to the A.N.A Club for morning tea. 'Those who had -relatives to meet them were allowed to go 'with them. Transport to their homes was provided. The city council provided a. bus for those who wanted to go’ on a sight-seeing tour Cigarettes were also provided. The men will now enjoy 28 days ibave on pay, free rail travel for four weeks, and will then be paid a mufti allowance, as and when due. Those needing inpatient or outpatient hospital treatment will have several days at their homes before their attendance

is required. Nothing was left undone that could be arranged to make the homecoming of the men as hospitable as possible The weather was cold and wet, but the welcome was warm.

Transport for the soldiers was arranged by Mrs. M. I. Bunny.