WAR RECORDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1922, Page 5

WAR RECORDS.

NEW ZEALANDERS’ WORK. TRIBUTE TO THE TROOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night. Speaking yesterday at the unveiling of a memorial tablet to the memory of members of the Customs and Marine Departments killed in the Great War, the Hon. Downie Stewart said that out of the Customs’ staff of 235 officers, 87 joined (he Expeditionary Force, seven were killed and 32 wounded. Of the Marine staff of 250, including the crews of the Government steamers, 36 officers served, six were killed, and seven wounded. The men from these departments served in every theatre of the war—Egypt, France, Palestine, and Russia —also gaining awards for valor and distinguished service. The Dominion was remote from the problems of the Old World, but distance did not separate them, and when the call came the New Zealanders did their share in the South African war and in 1914. Reports showed that they won the admiration of British and French generals, who competed for their command, and even the Germans admitted their high qualities and gentlemanly bearing. He mentioned Commander Saunders, Colonel Freyberg and Sergeant Dick Travis, V.C.’s, and referred to the latter’s career of courage and daring in “No Man’s Land.” The Minister said a British staff office? wrote to him (Mr. Stewart) while in hospital in England, as follows: “I have been through the Somme with your men. I take off my hat to your men in the ranks, and count myself fortunate to have served with such troops. If New Zealand men showed such courage, resourcefulness, perseverance and patience in civil life, there was no need to fear the future of the Dominion.”