The Chronicle LEVIN. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1916 NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS IN ENGLAND.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 28 February 1916, Page 2

The Chronicle LEVIN. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1916 NEW ZEALAND SOLDIERS IN ENGLAND.

Good work on behalf ol New Zealand to'diers ill England (and abroad also) is being done by the New Zealand War Contingent Association, a body having its headquarters in London and u membership spread throughout the .British Isles. A report of the proceedoeedings at the association's annual meeting (held in December last) lias be on sent to The Chronicle by Sir Thomas Mackenzie, High Commissioner

lor Now Zealand in London. The report contains many interesting and informative references to the men of these iskinds who are helping in the empire's battles. A specially interesting passage from the speech delivered by our High Commissioner is here reprinted for general information. Sir 'I honfas said: "I desire to .say a few words in reference to Peel House. 1 attended the earlier meetings of the committee, and Mr James Coates has kindly consented to (represent New Zealand at future meetings. I take it that our duty to New Zealand do.e-< not end. in merely seeing to the bodily healing and comfort of our men mid to their entertainment; guidance and protection are equally, if not more, important,, arid nowhere is the necessity greater than in this Old Dand. In every city of the United Kingdom there eire pitfalls for the unwary ; snares and temptations exist at many street corners, and harpies are ever on the look out for victims. The noble young lives of our men tare much too precious to be left unguarded and without the cordial welcome of a generous home. Peel House—or as it is now called King George and Queen Mary's Hostel —provides such a home. It is a magnificent building, containing accommodation for four hundred soldiers. it j lias comfortable, not to say luxurious |' reception ;m<l reading rooms, a library, billiard rooms, and a gymnasium. It is centrally .situated and is in every respect .suitable for our men.. The buihling is lent, free of rent, by the British Government. Sir John Simon presided at the first meeting of the committee, and Mr A. D. Steel-Mnitland. Under-Secretary of State for the colonies at subsequent meetings. Much preliminary work nad to be done, and an efficient staff employed. Excellent accommodation is provided for j our men at the rate of 3s per day. I Provision is made, through the High Commissioners, at a lower rate for men who hare Jo6t their money, or who are poor. The Head of the London Police (>Sir Edward Henry) has kindly advised all the police in London that whenever a colonial soldier loses his way or ?'s m difficulties, he is to be directed to Peel House, and no overseas soldfer will be refused a bed. Excellent work was dione 'by the Peel House Home on the occasion of the Lord Mayor's Show. Two hundred. Australian and one hundred New Zealand troops were brought into London to take part in the 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, bat at 3 p.m., tm-

•; mediately the procession was over, the men armed: Fires were made every- ] wnere in addition to taose in the ordii nary drying rooms, iiot soup and eoii'eo were given to them, olid within a- quarter oi an hour, most of tiieni wore sitting down in dry clothes. 'the manager i*uid< he had seldem seen a piece 'of work t>o quickly and so well done, and tlie men were lull vi praise of I tlie thoughtfulness which prompted this I action. come New Zealand and Australian iauiis are giving tlieir services tree m running the oare. Special arrangements had in en madie for the accomiiudation of lintukvss men, who have me sick room on the iirst floor, witii separate Lavatory and bath-room accommodation. An orderly sleeps in adjoining room, so "that these men get the best available attendance. New /eal-.inders are not forgetting their sailor .sons and the other &ailois who are doing such excellent woik oil H.M.S. -New Zealand. The members ol tho ladies' committee ol the Ot:igo branch of the Navy League, are sending throug'h Alis George JTeuwiuk to eaeu man on that ship -Jib lobacco, -Jib chocolate. a. tin ol cigarettes and a. Christmas o.trd. Other generous gilts have been received for tho men. .It will be .ei interest to our irionds to know thai uie number oi' wounded and sick case.s received in this country is about ■jUUO. Of these 1 deeply regret to say have died, and their names are as loilowfs: — Oapt. U. u . Wilkinson, t'te. .J. Cooper, Supper iiorne. Pte. r, Costt 11a, Pte. ,j . Pulimger, ,J,pr. n,. Everett, Pte. O'Donneil, Pte. Peneamene, Tpr. Page, Pte. Crichton, Pte. Mam, Pte. .[{. Bailey, Pte Barry, Pte. "Wliitan, Pte. C. 'Mtwisell, Tpr. -J. Hughes, Opl. T. W. Phillips, Pte. .-I. Herbert, Pte. R. W. CressweflT i'te. W. Ho veil, Pte. D. Mcßae," Pte. M. Luisetti, Pte. J. L. L'orter Pte. \\ . J'ox, Pte. K. Ibbotson, Sergt. 3. B. | DaJton. Many have again returned -o the liriug line, leaving about iODK at present in England. .briefly stated the method pursued'by the High CVumisMoner's office regarding soldiers arriving in this country is as follows: — I pon arrival, of members of the Expe- ■ ditionarv Foices in England they are sent to various hospitals. At first the ships were met by our officers, but t-hii proved to be an unsatisfactory proceeding owing to the great rush, so that at our request the authorities notify us immediately the soldiers arrive at. the hospitals. We then despatch an officer to the hospital to see the men and to ascertain full particulars of ths'r requirements. We attend to their immediate wants and report to the No 7 Zealand Government. The secretary ot the sNew Zealand \\ ;i r Contingen t Association is then informed of the soldiers' circumstances, audi the assooiationtioh promptly attends to thjir comfort and personal requirements.