LATE LOCALS.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 January 1919, Page 3

LATE LOCALS.

Rifleman Jack Cutbush of Hokitika, writing to his sister on Nov. 23rd., from France says—l am in the best of health. I was in Paris on leave when the Armistice was signed and what if glorious time we had. The people of Paris went fairly mad. There was a French girl standing on one of the monuments singing the French National Anthem and when she had finished the writer got up and sang “Tipperary” ami Rule RriUmihi.” Then they started and threw confetti and tied the French colors all over me, and they took souvenirs, taking off all my badges. It was a glorious time. 1 had ten days and had a good look around tho beautiful city. Tilings in the front lino were very quiet. The writer continued that ho had seep ] kiddy Dee the previous night. The latter had been on leave to Blighty and went through Ireland, The Defence authorities state that it wijl lie possible in future to give earlier j and more definite information to near- ; est relatives and the general public regarding returning drafts of Xew Zenlaid soldiers, an improvement in the system having been made by the Do- i pertinent as a result of the naval censorship over the movement of troop-ships-nud hospital ships j n Npw Zealand ? waters having been lifted. The former limit of a fortnight before arrival can be abandoned and the new system provides that on receipt of the cabled muni mil roll of a draft, tho nearest relatives will be advised as soon as practicable of expected date and port of arrival of vessel, after which the nominal roll will ■be released for public information. Any variation in the date or port of arrival of the vessel will h<, subsequently undo public officially. The prime object of this procedure is tu preclude confusion arising for many conflicting reports being circulated, and to obviate any necessity for individual enquiries by relatives and friends.