WORK OF OUR HOSPITAL SHIPS

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2853, 18 August 1916, Page 5

WORK OF OUR HOSPITAL SHIPS

HIGH PRAISE BY THE DEFENCE

MINISTER.

By Telegraph—Press Association,

' ' Dunedln, August 17. Iho Defence Minister (the Hon. James Allen) sta,tes that the New Zealand hospital ships Marama and Maheno are now doing: splendid Work in conveying sick and wounded soldiers between France and England,, their 'services being of Imperial character. They were not used exclusively for tlie conveyance of New Zealahders. The extent of their work. may be gauged by the record of the Mah'eno, which on July 8 last took no fewer; than 1141 sick and wounded from Havre, a record which the Minister , savs seems almost incredible.

The Minister announces - that the supply of small arms ammunition is now good, and there ie prospect of an ample supply of artillery ammunition. The Lewis quick-firing' guns are proving excellent weapons in the training camps. The work of training men has in consequenco been esceptions!?y far advanced. As regards money for tlie ■supply of comforts for the sick and' wounded at' Home, both the' High Commissioner • and; the- War Contingent Association have substantial funds in hand. The New, Zealand patriotic societies havo contributed generously. The Minister leaves for Wellington to-morrow.