VISIT TO GALLIPOLI.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15649, 22 July 1916, Page 12

VISIT TO GALLIPOLI.

COLONEL R. HEA.TON RHODES'S REPORT. EXPRESSIONS OF APPRECIATION. (SPZCIAL TO "thz press.") TTELLIXGTCTN", July 21. Tho report of Lieut.-Colonel R. Heaton Rhodes upon his visit to Egypt, Gallipoli. and the Mediterranean, was presented t 0 Parliament this afternoon. The report gives in great detail full particulars of the work done, and tho enquiries mado and ehowis that much, valuable, work was done in improving tho conditions of tho men in regard to postal and hospital matters. Some thirteen special matters were referred to Colonel Rhodes for his consideration, and under each heading detailed particulars are given of tho enquiries made, and action taken. In reference to the special funds for the care of the sick and wounded, Colonel Rhodes says that these funds were administered "by special committoo? at Cairo and Alexandria. This formed the beginning of a good working eyatcm, in. which New Zealand was e.£fci!y first in the field, setting an example -which was-later followed by_ other countries. .New Zealand also initiated a system by which, men in hospital could Eccuro extr a comforts by drawing against their pay up to 3s a week. Upward of 120 visits wero paid to sick and" wounded convalescents, and everywhere nothing but good was heard of the men from medical officers, nurses, and others.

Attontion was also 'given to the graves of the dead, and a schomo would be submitted later for tbo beautifying of the Anzac zone. This scheme was prepared by Mr W. 3>raper, director of the Egyptian. Government Gardens at the JJelta, Barrage, but upon i t Colonel Rhodes comments that obviously Mr 3>rapcr had never visited Gallipoli, and iio thought personally that the piacu should bo kept as much as possible in a state of nature. When the. report waa presented, Mr Wilford said that he would like to express his appreciation of tho hon. member for Ellesmerc, for his unselfish Tork. He had given up many months of his time, and practically out of good heartedness and good feeling investigated many mattei's which wero of great concern to this country, and also reported matters of vital concern to the parents of thoso who had sons at tho front. Ho was personally indebted to Colonel Rhodos, audi was glad that his work would be given permanent record. Mr Witty endorsed tho remarks of Mr Wilford. but said that appreciation 'shoidd also be given of tho work dono by Mr McCallum, the member for Wairau, Avho made an unofficial trip .to Egypt and secured much information of value to tho parents in Jfew Zealand.

Mr Ell joined in tho chorus of appreciation, and was followed by several other members in similar vein.

Colonel Rhodes said Jho wished to thank the hon. members who had spoken for their appreciation of tho work lie had done. It was a pleasure to -him to have done ony service for- his country. H© would, however, like to place on record his appreciation of Mr Crowe, hi« private secretary, who accompanied him on his trip. At all times he w;gs most assiduous in his duties, and never relaxed his efforts to assisfc him.

| The Hon. J. Allen cordially endorsed tho statements made regarding the J. r aluo of the work done by Colonel Rhodes in Egypt and elsewhere. When members read Colonel Rhodes'a report they -would Ikj satisfied -with" the work done. The report would disclose that the position of affairs was very much more favourable than had been thought was the case. Ho also expressed Jiisi appreciation of his patriotic attitude in refusing to draw pay for his expenses. TToon tho reorganisation of the oostal service, he announced that it Tiad been arranged that the senior postal officer, Mr Holdsworth, should go to tho front and assist in the prospective i eorganisation of the service.