NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

Taihape Daily Times, 6 January 1919, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND NEWS.

RETURNED .SOLDIER'S TRAGIC END. REPATRIAITON OF HUNS. MILITARY CHANGES. WELLINGTON, this day. Corporal L. R. Best, 38, a returnee} soldier, was found at the foot of the fire, escape of tho Columbia private hotel, with his skull smashed. He only returned on December 20th. He approached a police sergeant, saying he had no money and nowhere to sleep. He was perfectly sober. The sergeant took him to the police station to have a rest, and saw no more of him. It is supposed he fell -from the escape while trying to enter the hotel. About one hundred German prisoners will he repatriated shortly. They include naval officers and men and some civilians, who want to go back. Others who were in business *!on ? t wish to return. The men will go under a guard already chosen«£rom returned soldiers with good records. Sir James Allen says General Richardson, is coming out to be officer in charge of administration. This post is one of Lord Kitchener's recommendations, and was about to be filled when the war started. He is not coming to supervise demobilisation. As to General Robin's retirement and ColODel Chaytor's rumoured appointment, the Minister refused to say more than that there were several officers who might be considered. Rifle competitions will he Tesumed at Trentham on March 11th, finishing the same week. No range will be over 800 yards