FURLOUGH FOR THE MAIN BODY MEN

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 103, 24 January 1918, Page 6

FURLOUGH FOR THE MAIN BODY MEN

i (To the Editor.) : Sir,—Permit me to express through i your valuable columns my thanks to ; Air. W. ¥. Croiiin, of Ghristchurch, for hi able letter in The Dominion- of January 12, re our brave lads who have , been so long at the front, and yet they calmly count up to the Sixth Reinforcements with the boys who were so eager to dash out to the aid of the Motherland in 1914. Are our members ashamed of the very few that are left of the Main Bodyp If so, the more reason they should have them brought back for a niuch-i'arued rest, after all they have gone through. As W.F.C. says, if the Government realised what it is to light in such a climate as Egypt, with Hies, heat, and sandstorms, and bad water, they would have them brought back. Surely they have done their share. My son is the only one left out of his unit of 150, and yet he has co wait his turn or give some special reason for leave, because he was invalided to England from the Dardanelles for a. few weeks. Trusting others who have their dear onesiu the same, position as mine will help to get some consideration for them.—l am, etc., ONLY ONE OF THE MOTHERS.

Sir,—l wish thoroughly to endorse the letter of "Another Soldier's Mother" re tho Main Body's furlough. 1 think it nothing short of a scandal and disappointment if the Government promise be not kept. I received a letter from my son stating that lie and many other Main Body men are now getting very despondent. Surely after three and a half years' toil they are entitled to come home to see their relations. They would then be able to go back with renewed health and spirits. Hoping this matter will not be allowed to die a natural death by those that are interested, and that tho Government will do what is right and just. I may also state two brothers have gone to relieve him.—l am, etc., ANXIOUS MOTHER.