DIGGERS ABROAD.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 March 1922, Page 4

DIGGERS ABROAD.

IN DARKEST AFRICA

A COMPLAINT FR.UAI WALES. j

It has been said of the British Empire that the sun never sets on it, for scarcely have his departing rays ceased to illumine the towers of Quebec than •his rising beams glitter on the domes of Calcutta. One may also say this too, of the Returned Soldiers’ Association, which has just received a warm tribute to its work from a New Zealand ex-soldier in Central Africa, and by the same mail, a complaint of cold official treatment from another member in Cardiff (Wales), and a home-sick. If you ai'c behind in vour subscription to the R.S.A., you are apt to get a formal reminder:: if you are on the other side of the world, just as if you wore revelling in the sunshine in a week-end cottage at Lyall Bay. Judgje from the following letter:: —

Major ll writes from Nigeria (Africa)) to Mr R. J. F. Aldrich, secretary Wellington R.S.A.: —“I was indeed pleased to receive your reminder that my annual subscription had not been paid. To be quite candid, I left this little duty to my wife, who is in England, also the matter of paying my subscription to “Quick March.” However, by the time this readies you another subscription will he about due, so I am sending you a British postal order for Cl, which will include my dues for next year, 1922-23. I must forward my subscription for “Quick March,” or else 1 shall miss one of my greatest pleasmes in this land ol exile. "Quick Alaroh” is always sure of a warm welcome. 1 watch the progress the Returned Soldiers’ Association is making, and the support it accords the returned soldier at all times. What the position would have hern at the present time without the strong support of the association is a question one might very well ask, and to the working members, who have brought the ship safely through stormy waters our best thanks are due. “I have obtained a position, as assistant storekeeper on the Nigerian railway, and, as I am unable to work at my trade,must consider myself fortunate in being able to earn a little more than a living wage, although, of

course, it is a big disadvantage, not having the pleasures ol home life. Still, in these times, we must he thankful, and our sympathy is extended to those less fortunately placed perhaps, who have not had the means ol keeping body and soul together, means which are not obtainable even alter fighting for a glorious victory and peace. “1 did not intend to make this a long letter, hut somehow it seems like speaking to a triend, to he writing to some oire in dear old New Zealand. In conclusion, I would add that the association has a real live man for its secretary, and may you hold that position for tnanv years to come. THANKS FOR GRATUITY. The other letter was from Cardiff (Wales), from Mr O —, thanking the secretary for gratuity amounting to £32 11s, which lie had - secured, for him. “1 wish the London association were as attentive to different matters as you have been,” lie added. He took his discharge in England, to enable him to qualify for degrees which he could not take in New Zealand. He was successful in his examinations last v-’ar. As lie contemplated taking hack to New Zealand certain plant and machinery, he wanted every penny. “I asked for my gratuity to hie paid into my account at the Bank of Non Zealand, London, but the High Commissioner turned it down, acting upon instructions from New Zealand. 1 cannot get any satisfaction. Tt‘s the same old tale: “Write to Oflieer-in-Charge War Accounts and Records, Wellington.” A third letter also by the same mail, was from a New Zealand “digger” at Los Angeles (California), asking “how things are at Home” and seeking lull information regard oil prospects in New Zealand.