NEW ZEALAND.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 14, 20 December 1915, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND.

NEW ZEALAND’S HEROES IN BRITAIN. i The New Zealanders m Britain 'make frepuent comment of the royal I manner in which they are treated by ■ the people there. The Hon. Thos. 'Mackenzie’s activities and kindness are well-known, and a circular letter I from him to Mr Charles Milner, of (Stratford, speaks for itself. Here it jis:—Dear Sir, —You will be pleased to 'know that Private C. W. Milner, 'IU-IU, is comfortably settled in one of The hospitals here, is progressing favorably, and is in good heart. Upon 'arrival, all wounded New Zealanders 'that, 1 personally, am unable to visit ■are visited by a member of my stall, 'or by a representative of the New 'Zealand War Contingent Association. | When possible, 1 like to see the men myself, so as to be satisfied that 'everything that can be done for their happiness and comfort is being done, together with the best medical skill. This, J. can assure you, is the case. Our New Zealand Hospital is now well established, and we are about to add 200 more beds. Its surroundings are charming, and the men seem very happy there, as indeed they are, I think, in all the hospitals here. The kindness shown to them by the peop'e of the Old Country is beyond all praise. I have just returned from the North, where equal kindness is met. with. These brave fellows deserve all that can be done fod them. They have carried most nobly the honor of New Zealand at the front, while their conduct and courtesy here have endeared them to the people of great Britain and Ireland, so that to be a New Zealander is sufficient passport to any home or institution. Indeed, the part played by all the Overseas soldiers will live ever, and, disastrous as this war has been in many ways, amongst tho good that will undoubtedly come of it, will be the firmer consolidation of the Empire. lor this, and for the blessings of peace, wo shall have our boys to thank. 1 deeply regret that my official dunes and engagements do not allow me to see more of our brave lads, of whom we are all feeling so proud, and who justly claim our affectionate attention; and also for the reason that their parents and friends are, in most cases, friends of my own, which revives delightful associations for me, and at the same time 1 am able . to make the hoys feel more in touch with those so deal' to them across cue seas. , Mrs Wm, Brown, of Cardiff, has also received a s'milav communication in reference to Private Arthur Whyte.

WAR PENSIONS. aggregate STEADILY MOUNTING. War pensions amounting to £18,185 per year - and. allowances aggregating £1617 have now been granted. They are distributed as under; — Fifty soldiers receive £2874, an average of £57 per year. Eighty-eight wives of soldiers killed or disabled receive £7786, an average of £BB per year. Two hundred and fifty other dependents receive £7495, an average of £29 per year. Of members of the forces who have applied for aid, fifty r have been granted pensions, sixty have been granted allowances, twenty-five have been declined, eleven cases adjourned, and three are on hand, making a total of 149. Of dependents 338 have been granted pensions, one granted an allowance, thirty applications declined, four adjourned, and nineteen are on hand. ' Only twenty-two aplicatious are on hand, and the board hopes to have these dealt with before Christmas. This week six applicants were granted pensions, six were granted allowances, two cases were adjourned, and one application was refused on the ground that the man was not disabled or incapacitated. One of the dependent applications was that of the wife of an officer, and the reason was that the Board considered that she had ample means. The other was that of the wife of a soldier who is receiving £1 per week in consideration of his having lost an eye. The evidence was that the husband and wife were working as a married couple, and in receipt of good wages. WOUNDED SOLDIERS' FUND. £ s. d. Previously acknowledged 2219 10 9 Mahoe Patriotic Committee (per F. J. Cumberworth ... ... J... 80 0 0 £2299 10 9

ASSOCIATED AUCTIONEER’S GIFT SALE. V The following additional donations have been received by the Secretary (Mr F. W. Webster);—W. H. Harris £2 2s; H. Bowling £2; W. H. Rowe £1 Is; Makahu Dairy Co. £5 os, J. T. .Walsh ss; J. C. Latham, 1- 18month heifer; Orr Bros, 1 fat cow (or value); Ransford Bros., 1 weaner pedigree Jersey bull; D. Fischer, 1 cow; F. A. Schumacher, 2 cattle (or

•value £2 2s) j A. Wright, 1 2-year Jer- • soy heifer; F. J. Kelly, 3 13-months I heifers; F. J. Browning, ,1 fat cow; A. David, 1 2th woolly ewe; Howard Bayly, 1 sheep; -W. H. Rutledge, 1 prime fat pig; E. T. Kneebone, 1 pig; !J. D. Rowe, 1 pig; G, C. Schumacker, 'l sow, in pig to pedigree boar; W. Skedgwell, 1 gelding; T. H. Penn, 1 gig; P. G. Marsh, 2 ducks.