WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1918, Page 1

WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS

PEACE THANKSGIVING SERVICE

NOVEMBER, 14

A Divisional church parade was held this morning to celebrate the cessation of hostilities. The troops were formed up by brigades and paraded in drill order without rifles. 'I lie service took the form of a solemn act of thanksgiving to Almighty God lor the armistice, and included a prayer of invocation by the Bishop of Nelson, the reading of Psalm 12(5 by the Rev. Mr. Watson, the reading of the lesson .Esphesinns ii., I,y the Rev. Mr Hardie. and a prayer of thanksgiving bv Father Scgrief. T! u > Second Canterbury Band played the hymns, and the massed bands the National Anthem. The service was most impressive. RED CROSS OFFICER’S TOUR.

An officer on helm If of the fted ( res-: pa ml a visit to New Zealand prisoners of wa rin Switzerland. The prisoners fifteen in number —were being Well looked after, and were attending educational classes started for British prisoners. Though they had a bad time in Germany, none had been cruelly treated, but they bad seen others, especially the Belgians, cruelly dealt with. The officer visited the hospital for French" refugees, near Geneva, subsidised by the New Zealand Government Tie states that the hospital had done good work, and the French were .very grateful for all that had been done. During his visit to France the officer selected as a rest house for Now Zealand officers a villa that used to be the summer residence of the late Hr. Joseph Chamberlain, near Cannes. The villa lias been leased tor six months ioi this purpose. During his tour, which included a visit to the Division, lie arranged for a supply of Red Cross comforts.

THE BISHOP OF NELSON. The Bishop of Nelson, in his capacity of chief Anglican Chaplain, has been on a lengthy visit to New Zealand troops in the field. During the fighting in and about Le Qwesnoy he stayed at one of the field ambulances, through which 500 wounded men passed. He cheered and helped the officers and men, and attended the dying. He says his experience has greatly increased his confidence in human nature, and ho has been greatly impressed with the magificent way in which the men have risen to this great crisis in their lives. Thev are, he says, wonderful fellows.