War Feho

Hokitika Guardian, 19 July 1922, Page 3

War Feho

OCEAN' ISLAND’S CONTINGENT, j BILL THAT HAS been paid. Although the white population ul the islands of the Western and Eastern : Pacific is in all eases numerically small. 1 every British possession in the South j S'cas was well represented in the ; forces that took part in the great war. Ocean Island, the small phosphate island near the equator, by its contribution of men and money, has given t nother illustration of the spirit of loyalty and patriotism animating Britisu , subjects in the most remote spots. The authorities controlling this is- . land agreed to send a contingent of six men to New Zealand lor tiainiui and subsequent active service with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Tiurppe, at the same time undertaking to defray nil expenses, pertaining to pay and allowances, equipment, maintenance, and other charges in eonnec- j tion with these men. Of the six men ; who came to New Zealand, three of them, after undergoing a period of training in camp in the Dominion, unfortunately had to be discharged as medically unfit for active service. The remaining three however, rendered excellent service abroad with the N.Z.E.F. one subsequently attaining commissioned rank and another the rank of sergeant. The little colony has now discharged its financial obligation, the New . Zealand Defence Department having just received from the Gilbert anil Ellice Island Administration a cheque for £3724 in settlement of the liabilities undertaken in connection with the Ocean Island contingent. This payment no dqubt represents a heavy financial strain on the resources of the colony and is proportionately high when compared with the contributions made by larger and more wealthy portions pf t{iq Empire.