PRIVATE HAM'S DEATH.

Mrs. W. E. Ham, of Hardy street, Nelson, whose son, Private ,;W. Ham, died from wounds received in the Suez Canal action on February 3rd, has received a letter from Maior C. B. Brereton, expressing sympathy with her in her loss. The writer states that "since he (Private Bam) has been under my command he has been an ideal soldier, and has never given any of his officers a moment's worry. In action (within a few yards of me) hewas splendid, happy and cool, and proving his ability to use his rifle jFith effect. We had been under heavy Jwe at very short rang© from 3 &.jn. tintil: 3 p.m., when he -WAs-un&*lMflateJy; struck by a bullet intth© neck. •©;'.W,; Forsyth did what he couM for Jam, and immediately the stretcher *earertf todk him away. He received every at- ' tention possible, and was sent by train to IsmaiHa to the hospital there. I saw him on Friday, sth, and he was very well cared, for and everyone was most kind, and his nurse (a Melbourne lady) told me he was very good and patient. His case was hopeless from the first, but he suffered no pain". The funeral, at which the company, General , and many other high officers were present, took place this morning (Sunday) in the European cemetery here. I hope you will realise my sympathy for you all, and I. feel Ms loss myself t'ery much. It is a $ heavy responsibility for me having the lives of so many in a sense in my car©. Bat you have some comfort that his death was in a good cause, and that we inflicted rery heavy loss on the enemy and severely defeated them."