THE LATE GENERAL DAVIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 24 May 1918, Page 4

THE LATE GENERAL DAVIS.

VAGARIES, OP THE CABLE SERVICE. The vagaries of the cable service between England and New Zealand are responsible for creating some perplexing situations. Some months ago Mr. R. A. Davies, solicitor, of Taihape, received a cablegram stating that his father, General Davies, had died in England. Yesterday, a cablegram was delivered to him, informing him that his father was dangerously ill. There seems little uoubt about the worst having happened to Generai Davies, as the cable just received bore the despatch date of 26th April, while the telegram received about a week ago was dated Ilth May. Both; cables were private and had no connection with military authorities, which indicates that it may be almost as rapid to communicate by mail as by cable.

A good story is related regarding the late General Davies. It appears that the present King, when visiting ISiew Zealand as the Duke of "Cornwall, became acquainted with Colonel Davies. After Colonel Davies was stationed at Aldersot, the King frequently had a chat with him when visiting the camp. On one occasion His Majesty w r as riding a new horse, and he asked the General his opinion of the steed, remarking that it was from New Zealand. The General said:' “It wmuld cost about £SO out there, ’but I presume your Majesty had to pay £2OO or £3OO for it here.” “That was about the cost,” replied King George, with a smile.