SOLDIER’S LETTER.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 17 March 1919, Page 2

SOLDIER’S LETTER.

Lieutenant J, J. Davison, writing from Sling Camp, sayu he recently enjoyed three weeks’ leave, part of which was spent in Lincolnshire, Spilsby, Boston, Grantham, o,nd Edinburgh, With Scotland ho was greatly delighted, and the ushering in of the New Year and seeing the Old Ydar out, would long remain in his memory. la years past whisky literally flowed is the gutters, but on this occasion was conspicuous by its absence. At midnight thousands of people met lit the post office, and when the hour of twelve struck cheering commenced, and people cried themselves hoarse. The “house visiting”—well known to the Scotch—was greatly in evidence. Lieutenant Davison says he retired at 3 a.in., leav-1 ing thousands of excited people in the streets. Visiting Aberdeen, he says hi had the time of his life. He viewed Balmoral Castle, art gallery, colleges, fish market, etc. On passing over the Firth of Forth bridge he saw a sight long to be remembered. Besides s great part of the fleet were many other ships, all brilliantly lighted. It was a pretty sight, and had the appearance pf a city era water. At Wimbledon he met old friends, and Christmas there proved ono of the happiest, and loathe was be to leave. • All officers and men are now drafted into their demobilisation districts, and [on return from his holiday he found himself in Wellington tamp, and had holies of leaving for New Zealand in February. Training was at a standstill in fact fatigues seemed the only thing* to trouble about. Many earn pa and hospitals were being closed, and maty were the delighted men leaving for home. Lieut. Davison adds; “Tbit iime next year the war will be but s memory, a very pleasant one for msi and very sad for. others. Let ns never forget those immortal services of 0” sacred dead, whose eyes will never oper on the land they died to save: their* only is the peace and the glory, our* the tears and the gratitude. I a» afraid we are all apt to forget too sees what this war has meant. I trust, not" there are some who shall sever fov get.” - ?