OUR SOLDIERS IN LONDON.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 November 1917, Page 8

OUR SOLDIERS IN LONDON.

A STATEMENT REPUDIATED.

"Wellington, Nov. Statements have bee?; published as coming from jNIr. J;'imiesnu, who recently went home as Commissioner for the New Zealand Y.M.C.A,, to the effect that New Zealand soldiers were neglected in London and that not nearly enQugli was done for them to .prevent them fromSetting into mischief, The statement has conic under the notice of General Richardson in London, and he forwarded the following- message to the Defence Minister: "My view is no soldiers are so we!! provided for in London as the New Zealand soldiers, as a result of the efforts of the Y.M.C.A. and the War Contingent Association), but whatever is done a small percentage ivill go astray. Lascelles. the Commissioner, and all other Y.M.C.A. representatives in London protest strongly against the statement, and has requested that the following telegram lie sent on and published in the press, if you consider necesarv: 'The representatives of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. protest strongly against the charges reported to have been made by Mr Jamieson. The soldiers :ire met at railway and personally conducted by the secretary to huts and hostels. Guides are provided and tours arranged to places of historic, interest. Hospitality is arranged in private homes. Parties are taken to places of amusement and every opportunity is taken to occupy the men's leisure hours. The streets are patrolled by the society's representatives every night, and 1 lie men directed to suitable sleeping accommodation. The New Zealand military authorities render great assistance and cordially co-operate with the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. and the War Contingent Association, Only a. small percentage of the men are indis. crept'" MR. JAMESON'S EXPLANATION. Dmiedin, Nov. 5. W. 0. Jamieson, in a letter to the Daily Times, repudiates entirely the sitg. gestion contained in 'Raymond's cable that 'lie had reflected on the conduct of New Zealand soldiers in London, and states emphatically that his' only complaint was against the Imperial authorities for not providing for the accommodation and welfare of tho men on leave.