WAR CEMETERIES.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 February 1922, Page 5

WAR CEMETERIES.

PILGRIMAGES TO FRANCE. FACILITIES FOR RELATIVES. i The organisation which is being conducted for the benefit of people who desire to visit the graves of relatives on the battlefields of France and Belgium was explained by Chaplain-Captain M. Mullineux, M.C., in tli'e course of an address at the Workers’ Hall, New PlyI mouth, last night. St. Barnabas’ Hostels, as they Are called, were inaugurated with the idea of facilitating the pilgrimages of the many thousands of visitors to the graves of the fallen. In the arlier days after the armistice, the padre said, numbers of people from all over the world went to France to find their boys’ graves. There was no organisation to assist them, however; they were exploited on all sides by taxidrivers, hotel-keepers and others, and he had seen many a poor woman go away broken-hearted because she had not found her boy’s grave. This pointed to the necessity for some institute. A number of workers discussed the question and a hostel was opened at Calais. Some time back a widow visitihg a cemetery in France had to pay £35 for the journey from London to Loos; now it could be done for less than £4. A pilgrimage could be made to any grave in France or Belgium in the devastated area for less than £4, all charges included, providing there was no motor fare. An interpreter wa« also provided free.

Captain Mullineux said it was intended to build another place at Ypres. If any relatives wanted to go from New Zealand they should get in touch with the High Commissioner in London, or the Canadian Red Cross representative, 9 Waterloo Place, S.W.T. After they had reached London they would not have the slightest trouble for the remainder of the trip. Many who were unable to go eould have photographs of* graves, or a service held over the grave on an anniversary, if they so desired. Applications for photographs should include the name of the cemetery, the plot row and number of the grave. If the applicant knew only the name of the cemetery the enquiry should be forwarded to the High Commissioner’s office with a request to fill in the rest of the details and forward the letter to St. Barnabas Hostel, Calais. “Last year I took 841 photographs, of which nearly 400 were of New Zealand graves,” he added. “I had to travel 7600 miles in all to secure the photos. That takes a lot of money.” He proceeded to state that no fixed charge was made, but if it oauld -be afforded a donation to the hostel was welcomed. With regard to flowers and wreaths, be advised people to give plenty of notice in order that the St. Barnabas authorities could make arrangements and reduce the cost of transport. “Don’t send flowers from here, or from London,” he said. “Send a few francs to us at Calais; the French flowers are very beautiful and it •is the cheapest and best way.”