LORD KITCHENER AND THE ARMY SERVICE.

Greymouth Evening Star, Volume XXXI, 16 August 1901, Page 4

LORD KITCHENER AND THE ARMY SERVICE.

A sergeant of the Royal Engineers who has just returned to England from die front tells tho following story of Lord Kitchener’s stern sense of justice :

In the sergeant’s company there hap poned to be a private, wh i always did his duty in a quiet unobtensive manner, which gained for him a certain respect from his immediate superiors and companions. One morning this man presented himself at tho oflice and reported that he was ill and unfit for duty. He was ordered to appear before Dr, X., the medical officer of tho corp*, who pronounced him in good health, and ordered him hack to duty.

Against this verdict there was no appeal, and the soldier returned to his work which was preparing planks for a temporary bridge. He found it impossible to work, and mentioned the fact to the sergeant, with whom ho was on most friendly terms.

“ Why not lay the ease before Lord Kitchener ? ’’ said the sergeant ; “ he is in the office now. ”

“Oh, I dare not,” replied the man ; “he is too stand-off and cold.”

“Well, if you’re afraid, I’ll do it myself ! ” and ho did.

“Order the man hero at once,” saicl Kitchener, without looking up, “and also Doctors Y. and /, ” Each of these lie made examine the patient in his presence. Dr Y. rep-irted “typhod in a marked stage.” DrZ. made the same diagnosis. “Bcnd for Dr X. immediately,” slowly muttered Lord Kitchener.

“Please, Dr X., examine this man care, fully. lie is either ill or malingering.” Dr X. performed the commanded taskand nervously said: “Sir, I fear I have made a mistake. This man is in the early stages of typhod fever.”

“Have the man at once removed to hospital,” came the cold, passionless tones. “And you, sir, apply to the adjutant for your papers, and at your earjiest convenience return to England.”