A VETERAN PATRIOT.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 297, 25 May 1915, Page 6

A VETERAN PATRIOT.

LEAVES FOR SERVICE at 70. Auckland, .May 21. An exceptional instance of patriotism lias come to the knowledge of the Star. Jt is that of Mr. Thomas Hunt. Although 70 years of age, Mr. Hunt lias left for Sydney, en route, for England, with the intention of getting to the front if possible. If he cannot get to the lighting line he will go to the itmmunition works at Elswick and get work there, so as to set free a younger man for active service. He has relatives at Morpeth, which is not a long way from Elswick. When war broke out in South Africa Air. Hunt tried to enlist in New Zealand, hut on account of his advanced years (he was nearly sixty years of age then) he was not accepted. He therefore went to Sydney and joined the Sydney Bushmen. He served as doctor's orderly for & good deal of the time and was one ■of the party that was hemmed in by tin; Boers at Elands River. They were surprised by the enemy, and had to dig themselves in under fire, losing a number of their 'men and all their liorses. For three weeks they were surrounded until relieved by the British, and during that time Mr. Hunt won the D.'S.'M. for hoisting a flag improvised out of a red quilt in the shelter they were using as a hospital, being exposed to the (ire of the enemy all the time. He was invalided home during the war. but on recovery he again went to the front, and joined a mounted corps. With the exception of being a little lame he enjoys very good health, and is very keen in serving his country in the present great crisis. His example should be a stimulus to younger men.