OUR MEN IN ENGLAND

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2715, 9 March 1916, Page 2

OUR MEN IN ENGLAND

WAR CONTINGENT ASSOCIATION AT WORK

Some very interesting reports on tho working of tho New Zealand War Contingent Association, a body of New Zealandors formed in London at tho outbioak of the war to look after the interests of soldiers of the Dominion whilst in tho United Kingdom, have been received by the secretary of tho Canterbury Patriotic Fund (M'r. R. T. Tosswill). Included in tho documents is the report of a recent speech delivered to members of the association by the High Commissioner (Sir Thomas Mackenzie), in which he reviewed tho activities of various organisations. Since tho association was formed, he said, great events have occurred, and whilst they grieved with those who had suffered, they were proud indeed of the nobie work of "these magnificent men"—to use tho words of Genoral Sir John Maxwell. Many of them had passed to tho Great Beyond. Tliey had fought nobly for the honour of th«?ir country, and by (heir deeds—to paraphrase the words of Mr. Bonar Law—to be a Now Zealauder meant something more to-day than it had over meant before. Walton-on-Thames Hospital. Sir Thomas went on to refer to tho recent addition and improvements to New Zealand hospital at Mount Felix, Walton-on-Thames, and to tho visits paid to tile hospital by their Majesties the King and Queen,"H.R.H, the 'Prince of Wales, and T.S.S. Prince and Princess Louis of Battenberg, all of whom expressed their "enthusiastic appreciation" of what had been done. Alter expressing thanks to those who lmd been instrumental in establishing tho hospital, including Lord Ranfurly, , Lord Plunket, and very especially Lady Islington, Sir Thomas Mackenzie gavu details of the many branches of work carried on, and referred particularly to the opening of a restaurant at 3 Victoria Street for the use of the Dominion's soldiers. This restaurant was organised, and was being run, by Mrs. Arthur Russell and Miss Hilda' \Yilliams, and they and other members of their family, consisting of Mcsdames Williams, Vernon Reed, Bird, Hoare, Warren, and Mr. W. T. Williams, were providing the funds. Club for Overseas Men. Valuable help had ..been obtained from the Victoria League, which had opened clubs for oversea soldiers in various parts of London. The one in which New Zealand was most interested was at Peel House, on the executive of which the Dominion is represented by Mr. J. H. B. Coatcs. With regard to this institution, Sir (Thomas said:—"l take it that our duty to New Zealand does not end in merely seeing to the bodily healing and comfort of our men, ftlld to their entertainment. Guidance and protection are equally, if not more, important, and nowhere is tho necessity greater than in this Old Land. In ever'v city of the United Kingdom thero are pitfalls for tho unwary; snares and temptations ' yxiijfc at many street corners, and harpies are ever on the look-out for victims. The noble young lives of our won aro much too precious to bo jeffc unguarded and without the cordial wo!come and a generous home. Pee] House, or, as it is now called, IvinGeorge and Queen Mary's Hostel,' pro" vides such a homo. It is a magnificent Pi' con - ai "i n g accommodation for «J0 soldiers. It .has comfortable, no! to say luxurious, reception aod icadit)" rooms, a "library, billiard rooms, and a gymnasium. It is centrally situated, and is ill every respect suitable for a homo for our men. Sir John Simon presided at the first meeting of the com. mittee and Mr. A. D. SteetMaitland, Under-Secretary of State for the Colomes, at eubsequent meetings. . ... Excellent accommodation is provided foi our men at the rato of 3s. per day, Provision is made, through the High Commissioner, at a lower rate for men who have lost their, money, or who aro poor. The head of the London Police, Sir Edward Henry, has kindly adviacci nil the police in London that whenever a colonial soldier loses his way, or is in difficulties, he is to be directed to Peel House, and no overseas soldier will ha refused a bed. Excellent work was dona by the Peel Houso Home on the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Show. Two hundred Australian and 100 New Zealand troops were brought into London to take part in tho procession. The day was one of the wettest and the men were soaked to the skin. They were not expected at Peel House until 5.30 p.m., but at 3 p.m., immediately tho profession was over, they arrived. Fires were made. every where, in addition to those in the ordinary drying rooms, hot soup and coffee wero given to them, and within a quarter oF an hour most oi them were sitting down in dry clothes. The manager said ho had seldom seen ;a piece of work so quickly or so well dtne, and the men were full of praise of the thoug'ntf,illness which prompted this action. Some New Zealand and Australian ladies are giving their services free in running the cafe. Special arrangemeiits have been made for tho accommodation of liinblesii men who have tlio sick room on the first floor An orderly sleeps in an adjoining room, so that these men get the best available attendance." " Other Activities. Sir Thomas Mackenzie said also thaV New Zealanders were not forgetting tbeir sailor sons and the other sailors who asc doing such excellent work on LI.M.S. New Zealand. The ladies' committee of tho Otago branch of the Navy Leaguo, through Mrs. George Fomvick, sent to each man of the ship half a pound of tobacco, }lb. of chocolate, a tin of cigarettes, and a Christmas card. Other generous gifts had been received. The number of sick and wounded Now Zealanders received in England up to December 16 was about 5000, of,whom ■1600 still remained at that date; 26 had died. Sir Thomas Mackenzie described at length tho treatment of soldiers aftei they reached the convalescent stage. Ho said it was very gratifying to report that the conduct of the New Zealanders was of the highest order. Massago and ,other treatment required to make men fit again was available. Most of the men were sent to the Woodcote Park Convalescent Home at Epsom, where there was a club for New Zealanders conducted by Mrs. A. Williams. All kinds of entertainment, iiidoor and outdoor, were provided. Tlio arrangements following on tho death of a New Zoalander wero also described. At Walton-on-Thames, said tho High Commissioner, there is a beautiful cemetery, and a piece of ground has been set aside by tho cemetery authorities, and consecrated for the reception of departed heroes. Later, it is; hoped, a monument will be erected to mark the last resting-place of these bravo sous of tho Dominion .--Christchurch "Sun "