BACK HOME AGAIN

Camp News, Volume 3, Issue 154, 23 December 1942, Page 4

BACK HOME AGAIN

400 Sick And Wounded Of 2nd N.Z.E.F. ■ The feelings of many of the 400 men of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. who recently returned sick and wounded to New Zealand were aptly expressed by the chairman of the Wellington Harbour Board, Mr. W. 11. Price at the informal welcome given, when he said he believed that, glad though they were to be home they would love to be back in the Middle > East to assist in the final exodus of Rom,mel’s army. Approximately 60 of the men had also served in the Great War, among them an Englishman, now only 42, who, as a trumpeter in a Canadian unit in the last war, had his 14th birthday in camp. The Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, told the men of the difficulty Parliamentarians had had to secure pensions 10 to 15 years a'fter the last war for returned soldiers whose war disabilities records were inadequate. lie asked’ the returned men of this war to bear that in mind, and to carry out the instructions- given to ensure their cases being properly and fully record ed. The Government and rhe people wanted to ensure that the best possible was done for the returned servicemen who had done their best for their country. If the men assisted now in having their cases’ fully recorded they could return to their homes with the knowledge that they would be looked after in the future.

This was the happiest Christmas in New Zealand in the three years of war, said the Minister of Defence. Mr. .Tones, who had a special word of Commendation for the returning 5 V.A.D.’s- and those still on service overseas.

Though little in numbers, New Zea- ; land was great in deeds, said Mr. Hapi Love, father of the late Lieut.Colonel E. T. W. Love, who extended a welcome on behalf of the Native race.

“Welcome baY-k to the best country in the world,” said Mr. W. E. Leadley, for the N.Z.R.S.A. to a chorus of warm approval. “Now you are back,” he said, “get into the U.S.A. Take it ! over from us—the whole showbecause we of the last war have no one to leave it to but you.” The Adjutant-General, Brigadier A. E. Conway, 0.8. E., N.Z.S.C., and ’ Colonel C. W. Salmon. D.C.M., deputy Quartermaster-General, represented I the army at the welcome to the men