CONDUCT OF OUR MEN

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2526, 29 July 1915, Page 2

CONDUCT OF OUR MEN

AN UNSOLICITED TRIBUTE FROM THE MAYOR OF ALBANY Since the outbreak of war, successive convoys of New Zealand transports have called at the port of Albany, AV.A., and of late thore have been strange rumours about alleged misconduct at the port of some of our men. A letter on this subjcct, refuting all the charges, from Mr. H. Robinson, Mayor of Albany, to the Prime Minister of New Zealand, was read by Mr: Massey in the House yesterday.

Following is the text of the letter: — "From time to time we have had the pleasure of receiving in our harbour and town tlio representatives of New Zealand on their way to the front. I was' very much surprised on being informed by one of my councillors last week that tiie New Zealanders in passing through were supposed to have misbehaved themselves in Albany, and that the civic authorities had asked that they be not allowed ashore. I hasten to write and remove this which is absolutely false. I beg to inform you, on behalf of the town, that the, men behaved splendidly during the wliolo of their stay in our port and town, and tlieir behaviour has reflected not only credit on their officers and themselves, but on New Zealand. They have been most exemplary, and I feel almost incensed that 'such a stigma should be cast on the men, seeing tliat they have behaved so well in every respect. It has been my pleasing duty to associate with most of the officers of every contingent, and- they themselves have been well satisfied with the behaviour of the men. The last contingent particularly wore allowed a latitude of two days, and tliero is nothing but the highest praise expressed by all the citizens as to tlie conduct of the men. Many of them - were received into private homesi and this is a time record of their behaviour. I may say' that the citizens are arranging, should any other men arriving here be allowed ashore to take them to their private homes, and they arc also arranging public functions for them in the shape of meals and music.- I trust you will accept this in the spirit it is sent —to contradict a mis-statement on behalf of the noble men who are going to fight for the freedom of the Union Jack, and whose behaviour it is a pleasure and honour for me to report has been all that could be desired."

"I think," said Mr. Massoy, after reading tho' letter, "that it must be very satisfactory to the momb'ers ,of tho House to know that members of our forces are behaving like men and like gentlemen, in the way that wo expect New Zealanders to behave." (Loud applause.)

Sir Joseph Ward also expressed extreme gratification with the communication from tho Mayor of Albany, and ho thought all members of tho House would acknowledge his courtesy in doing so much-to remove any possible stigma from the fair famo of New Zealand.