CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 August 1917, Page 4

CORRESPONDENCE.

A SOLDIER'S FUNERAL. To the Editor. Sir,—Can you pier j inform me, or m certain, why it is that the militar 'a t\\orjties here did not make arrangements for a funeral with full military honors for the late Private Bishop, who was. buried to-day? In New Plymouth : >' recent months, we have had miliary funerals (at which veterans, Tiri'Uor!'.!s, Senior Cadets, Boy Scouts, band, TV 1 School Cadets, and returned soldiers paraded) of veterans and others, fl-.d only lately a lad who died at camp, and whoso body was brought to New Plymouth fot interment, was accorded full honors. But the mortal clay of 'Private Sishop—wlm left with the 4th Reinforcements, was wounded at Gallipoli, recovered, sent to France, and took part in the great Somrae offensive, where he caught his fatal illness —was buried as that of an ordinary civilian, instead of a hero who tiafi fought and died for the Empire and humanity. I understand that the band was willing to turn out in full force, that Scouts, Cadets, and others would have done so had notice been given. If the local Defence authorities were chary of giving permission, surely a telegram., to the Hawera office < - to the Minister of Defence would have brought the desired ,' permission. Even if the late soldier had P received his discharge a few weeks age that is no reason why his remains should not have been accorded full honor*. Returned soldiers here, almost without exception, keenly feel this slight, and hope further enquiry will be made. The only military touohes in to-day's sad rites were the presence of returned soldiers (in mufti) and two lads from camp (in uniform), who are on lew, and the sounding of the "Last Post" by a returned soldier. I Am, ete., RETURNED SOLDIBB.