CHAPLAIN’S SPLENDID WORK.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 1474, 18 November 1915, Page 3

CHAPLAIN’S SPLENDID WORK.

From the Waikato Times’ report of the welcome to the wounded soldiers that returned on the Tofua we clip the following references to Father Dore’s work as chaplain : “A saint amongst the soldiers” is how one ot the troopers described Father Dore, a Roman Catholic priest, who is said to be doing excellent work on the field of battle. The returned men were unanimous in their praise of the splendid services he is rendering. ‘‘Well, look here, mate,” said one, * ‘l’ll never play a bloomin’ harp as these blokes ’ll tell you, and I’m not a holy Roman either, but I’d like you to let the public of New Zealand know that while Father Dore manages to escape a Turkish bullet, their sons will be well looked after if they come in his way. It doesn’t matter whether a bloke’s a Presbyterian, a Methodist, or any other creed. Father Dore doesn’t ask them questions of that kind. He knows they’re soldiers scrapping for a good cause, and he treats ’em all alike.” Another voice joined in : “He’s always where he's wanted all the time. He never gels tired, and is at everybody’s service. By jove, he’s doing a great and glorious work.” A third added that if any man deserved a V.C. it was Father Dore. “Ask auy o'f the men who come back ; they’ll all tell you about him. Everybody worships him.” In a later issue, reporting the reception tendered the invalided men that returned on the Willochra, the following appears ; Further stories are told of the gallantry and goodness of Father Dore, who was described by one returned trooper as the brightest spot in the trenches. “That man was everywhere,” declared another member of the Fourth. “I saw him set off alone on a two-mile journey from our trenches to the No. 3 Outpost, where, it was reported that a number of wounded men were lying. The journey was over bullet-riddled country, but the padre got there right enough, and tended the men until they could be brought iu,” All say he was most helpful to the wounded men, while his bright smile, cheerful manner, kind words, and pleasant brogue did much to keep up the spirits of the uuwounded in the trenches. He always carried about with him half-a-dozen field dressings, and was always where the fighting was thickest. During several attacks by the New Zealanders he worked laboriously carrying up ammunition. The men always brightened considerably when he appeared in a trench, and there was a general depression throughout the lines when it was learned that he was wounded. As he was being carried down to the dressing station he appeared to be suffering great agony, but there was a general feeling of relief amongst the men when it was known that the injury was not likely to prove fatal.