NEW ZEALANDERS IN PALESTINE

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3101, 4 June 1917, Page 8

NEW ZEALANDERS IN PALESTINE

HOW THEY ARE FARING,

Comparatively little is being heard just now of tho work of the New Zealanders in Egypt and Southern Palestine. An interesting reference to what they arc doing is contained in <t recent report from one of the four field secretaries representing tho Young Men's Christian Association there, Mr.. P. It. Velvin, who says that the work which our boys in the New Zealand. Mounted Brigado havo been • doing all along seems to have been overshadowed by the greater events in France. "Judging by the various reports which are to be read in tho New Zealand papers," ho savs, "one would bo almost inclined to think that there was nothing in the nature of an offensive being conducted out hero at all. My one regret is that regulations cojnpel me to refrain from enlarging upon tho work and the nature of tho hardships which! these men havo endured and aro still called upon to endure. ■ _ "I have' been, with the New Zealand Mounted Hides Brigade over six weeks now, and have had a great time with tho fellows. I opened a canteen with them, and also a big recreation tent as well, with piano and library. Band concerts, malo voices, choirs, lectures, Bible Class meetings, and study groups, and voluntary services have figured in tho programme. Somo twenty-thr'eo cases of gift goods arrived, last week, and wero sent out from Brigado Headquarters. 1 havo also instructed Mr. Gillies to forward from Cairo some ,£9 worth of cigarettes, chocolates, etc., for ono of the squadrons, tho money having been sent for this by the Auckland Patriotic Committee. Some of the Comforts Fund money could be used hero to good effect, and as there is also a large number of out men ia rthe Camel Corps for whom nothing has yet been done, a little help in this direction would bo very highly appreciated, and remind them that they are not forgotten by the people at home."