Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 31 May 1922, Page 2

The Hon Sir R. Heaton Rhodes, Minister of Defence, has received, through the Prime Minister’s office, the following cable message, dated Mav 18, from the High Commissioner, Si,-'James Allen :—“With reference to the King’s recent visit to War Cemeteries in France and Belgium Ins Maiestv commanded me to convey to the Government and people of New Zealand the great satisfaction he expressed to me personally at Etaples at the care bestowed'by the Commission on the graves of those who lie so far from their homes. In all cemeteries visited bv his Majesty Dominion and British graves lay side hv side and tile King assures the people overseas that these graves will lie loverently and lovingly guarded. It is a satisfaction to lus Majesty that the Imperial War Graves Commission lias been so constituted that these graves may lie honoured tor all time.” It is of interest to note that there are no fewer than 259 graves of New Zealanders at Etaples. “It is curious what aspects of an event will he remembered in later vears,” - remarked the “New Zealand Herald.” “The old veterans who lined up at Auckland on Wednesday for inspection by tho Gov<?rnor-G<?iierfll "bud many experiences of stirring events to recall to each .other if they chose. Let two of these old men, claiming companionship in expeditions through laranaki in the days of the Maori wars, singled out the blossoms of the peach trees on the banks of the AVaipa ns a point of mutual recollection. ‘Oh, aye,’ replied one of the pair emphatically in response to an eager question, ‘1 remember tho peach blossoms.’ Another old soldier, exchanging reminiscences of an expedition with Major Jackson’s Forest Rangers from Onehunga to Raglan, told with a chuckle of delight how the troops, marching south bv the old racecourse near Otalmhu, saw Dainty Ariel win the Auckland Cup on Boxing Day, 1803,