SOLDIERS' LETTERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 10 August 1918, Page 4

SOLDIERS' LETTERS.

SOCKS ACKNOWLEDGED

Writing to the President of the Lady Liverpool Committee at Hokitika from the trenches in France on May 29th, Captain Robert L- Wilson, O.C- XITi Company, Ist Canterbury Infantry Rifles, says: I wish to acknowledge receipt of another four parte Is of knitted socks (36 pairs) from the Hokitika branch of the J,ady Liverpool Committee. The socks have been distributed to West Coasters and they' are much appreciated. Arriving at a period when the Company was in the trenches, these articles were warmly welcomed for, under these circumstances, a plentiful supply of socks is not always obtainable and the nature of the work frequently calls for daily* changes. Kindly convey to the individual knitters our warmest thanks lor their untiring efforts on our behalf. All West Coast boys join with me in sending their best wishes of still further success of such a well organ - ised society.

LIEUT. H. LINK LATER. Writing to Hon .). Griinmond from the N.Z.E. reserve depot Christchurch, Hants, on June 7th, Lieut 11. Linklater says : It is now a considerable time since I received your very welcome letter, so here goes for a few lines to let you know that all is well with me As you see per heading. I am still in England, but ns I am next on the list of engineer officers to go to France my stay here will be short now. After finishing up at Newark I was sent to Chatham for a course in heavy bridging. They have a very fine nlant there, and the work was most interesting. I had three weeks’ leave after getting, my commission and had aline tour round Lincoln-’ shire and Cumberland. While at Newark we were pnt through a very thorough training, and I am in the pink of good condition, in fact.ne/er felt belter in my life. Life here goes by very pleasantly. The weather is glorious and the country round very beautiful. Theieare avenues of fine old oak trees for miles along the roads and with plantations of rhode-

dendron and lilac everywhere, there are some lovely sketches of road, I have a fine hack at my disposal here, and have explored the neighbourhood pretty thoroughly. As you know, these parts were the scene of many battles of old English history and there are many historic ruins. The old Priory here is a fine old place and well worth a visit. The sea front is very gay at this time ol year, especially at Bournemouth, about five miles from here. It is a favourite watering place and visitors come there in thousands in summertime. The great battles are still raging in France, and we cannot foresee the issue. Though the Allies have lost a lot ot ground the Hun has suffered appalling losses and we must win out in die end.

The Yankees are pouring into France in their thousand's and already have rendered good service. Yon will have . road with pride ol the I great work of out* own fine Division, j Their stand at the Somme against i the Han masses sets the seal on their fame as one of the finest Di-j visions in the British Army. Ibe French papers bailed our boys as “The Saviours of Paris” and “ lbe Premier ” Division of the British Army. General Richardson tjlil us last week that, the N.Z, Division is now classed as a Super-Division. I have lost, tonch with till our Coast b ys, but will look them up when I get back to France. I here is not tiuicli news, but 111 write ao-ain as soon as Tgo to work. Give my warm regards and best wishes to all mutual friends on the Coast.