SOLDIER’S NEXT OF KIN.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 28 March 1919, Page 3

SOLDIER’S NEXT OF KIN.

Wellington, March 27.

Thousands of New Zealanders arc awaiting the welcome notification from Baso Records that their soldier relative is on his way to New Zealand. Therefore they will bo interested to know how the Defence Department deals with .tho noxt of kin of returning drafts. About fourteen days before a ship is duo to arrive. Base Records sends out to tho next of kin of oach man aboard a notification that cabled advice of the soldier’s return has been received, that 'he is on a boat named, and the probable date of arrival is mentioned. The recipient is advised to watch tho newspapers for any alteration in tho arrival date. It will be seen from this that next of kin should carefully maintain at Base Records their correct address. The authorities do not object to noting even brief changes from the usual address, so long as they know that they can reach the soldier’s relatives quickly with tho notification.

As the soldier is sent to his home address as quickly as possible after disembarkation, his next of kin are advised to await him at home, and they wall receive a telegram immediately the ship arrives, mentioning the .time at which the soldier should reach home. When next of kin travel to .the port of disembarkation they often have to put up with the disappointment ofnot being ablo to .travel back with their soldier relative, us the special trains must bo reserved for the soldiers. Though the Defence Department does not encourage next of kin to visit the port of disembarkation, .they afford special facilities bn the wharf for the soldier's relatives. Next of kin passes are obtainable by bona-fide next of kin at the Defence Headquarters of the district where the soldier will disembark, except in the caso of Wellington, where j the issue of these tickets is made from I tho more conveniently situated office of Base Records, at the back of Government- Buildings. If an Invalided soldier is sufficiently well to be granted a week's leave ho is allowed to go home for that' period, and ; then report for treatment at a hospital, j Where this cannot' be done, and .the ! soldier has to go straight into hospital, his wife and parents are entitled upon j making application to Base Records, ! Wellington, to receive free return railj way warrants to visit the patient in I hospital. If tho soldier has no wife or | parent, one railway warrant is available to his next of kin'.