N.Z. DIVISION.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 February 1919, Page 4

N.Z. DIVISION.

INFLUENZA VICTIMS

(From Captain Malcolm Ross, Official War Correspondent with the New „ Zealand Forces.)

LEVERKUSEN, February 20,

A renewed outbreak of influenza has claimed some victims recently within the Division, but it is not very severe in most cases. A supply of preventive vaccine Iras been obtained from England and is now being used. You will have received intimation of the death of Captain Begg, and Captain liiddiford. Colonel Begg had gone through the war from start to finish and was on the'point of leaving for New Zealand in 'the Remuera. He had not been with the Division for a considerable time, having been deputy Director of Medical services with the 22nd Corps, and recently Director of Medical Services, N.Z.E.F. England. Captain liiddiford who joined the Division at, its formation in Egypt, had his first- experience of fighting at Armeutieres as a subaltern. Be earned his Military Cross in one of the raids in that locality. At the Somme battle h c did fine work in getting supplies through the shell-swept zone to piers. Latterly he was Camp Commandant and A.D.C. to General Bussell. His last days in France were spent in the personal service of his general in Paris, while the latter was en routfc to the Riviera. Influenza gripped him while crossing on the Channel boat to Blighty and he died « pneumonia after a brief illness. lie also was to liave sailed in the Remuera. He was to have been married on his return to the Dominion and intended to enter New Zealand politics. He was icmnrkably thorough and energetic in all Jiis work for the Division. His absolute sense of duty, bis honesty of puiposo, bis every ready unselfishness and care for others and his unflinching determination t° do what was right cal nrd the respect- and admiration of nil ranks.

SPARTAGISTS IN DUSSELDORF. Armed Spartacists in the neutral zone in and about Dusseldorf arc ready to resist German soldiers and it may be necessary for the Allied troops to occupy that city and the adjacent territory. Tile Spartacists nave proclaimed a general shrike in tin* Hullr < oal mines. Street, fighting has occurred at Ehcrkeld between -flic Spartacists and German police with casualties. Yesterday armed Spartacists carrying red flags marched down the streets of Dusseldorf. The factories are picketed In strikers. Some shops are closed. 'I lie strikers ■ have blown up mines on the lino between Dusseldorf and Duisborg. Dusseldorf station is picketed by strikers who are, examining trains. .1 lie New Zealanders will apparently he unaffected by any operations necessary to quell these disturbances. In their own area however, they are digging in and wiring strong points as a precautionary

measure. Headquarters shifts from Leverkusen to Mulheim, near Cologne, on the