GENERAL TOWNSHEND.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 177, 26 May 1916, Page 3 (Supplement)

GENERAL TOWNSHEND.

RELATIVES IN NEW ZEALAND

A MILITARY FAMILY. General Townsiiend, who was compelled to surrender at Kut-el-Amara, lias quite a number of relatives in New Zealand. Two uncles live at Devonport —George and Henry Townshtnd; I'.rni».»t Townshend, another uncle, lives a: Hlenhoun. The distinguished soldier has a dozen or two unknown cousins in the two places. ''lt is about lorty years since I saw him last," remarked one of General Townsiiend'.-. uncles in conversation. "He was a youngster of 14 or 15 at that time. After coming to New Zealand we naturally got out of touch with one another, and I heard of him mostly through relatives at Home.''

"As a matter of fact, wo didn't know .in the least what had become of him when the war broke out." stated the other uncle, "and the first news we got was through the pro-s when we iearn n d he was playing a leading part in the Mesopotamia!! campaign. It u.i- an anxious t me for us. We had not ,-een him since we were all boya, hut b!oi;d is thicker than water, and Lines like there .-.rem to draw families together." The Townslunds have been si Id: ;- i.nd sailors ever since the time when, in lo>-. Roger Townshend of Kaynli.ini. received the honour of knighth.iod lor his spirited conduct against the Armada, and Sir John Townslu'iul was knighted by the Karl of Ki-sex at Hie memorable siege of Cadiz. One or liis New Zealand cousins, Mr Fe'ras Townshend. oldest son of Mr (Jcorge Townshend Devonport, served 01 the South African war. while another cousin, Geoffrey Townshend, now at the front with the Australian artillerv.

Anoth- r member of the family is Mi - Tiria Tewn-hend. of B'enluini, whose wonderful feat el' swimming fur -rver.il beers in the irv waters o! the St. f,awt ■■!)• •■ after the stnkng of the Kmoro-s i.f Ireland, two years ago. i- well re- ; •• inhered.