AT A MALTA HOSPITAL

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2615, 10 November 1915, Page 6

AT A MALTA HOSPITAL

FAREWELL TO DEPARTING CONVALESCENTS. Captain Mabin struck a fine note Vhen addressiug a number of convalescents leaving All Saints' Camp on Thursday morning last for England, the majority of whom wore Australians and New Zealanders, the remaining belonging to the Homeland (says the Malta I "Chronicle" of September 2). Dividing them into two different parties, the Camp Commandant, with an.impressiveucss that was keenly felt, spoke to each '■in turn.. He first told the Dominions' representatives (who were visiting the Mother Country for the first time) that ho was sure a' warm welcome would await them in the Old Land; that the |genorous._ hospitalty of the people of jGreat Britain would exceed . anything they had yet experienced, and urged them to f'play the game" and not be . carried away on the impulse of the moment. Their behaviour whilo they had boon in camp' had been oxemplary, and he. asked them to continue in the same manner. Their actions would bo observed and criticised by strangers to tliom,' Iwfjjif they remained manly and courteous they had nothing to fear. Let them remember they belonged to a land away in the Southern Seas that they loved and he loved, a land whose honour was in their keeping, and which was straining its resources to tho utmost to assist in bringing this fearful war to a successful termination, and that same land would honour them when onco thoy returned. Turning" to the-Imperial soldiers he told tlienr they ■•were going home, back to the land of their nativity, back to their relations •jnnd friends, and tho places they knew. He complimented .them, none the less than the Australians and New Zealanders,' upon thoir behaviour while in All Saints' Camp. Ho felt sure., when thoy met an Australian or a Now Zealander, "near their homes, they would extend tho hand of hospitality, and assured .them that if ever tho tables were turned, and thoy visited tho Dominions in tho Southern Seas, tho heartiest greeting from a' grateful country would be extended them. Captain Mabin wished thorn all God-speed, a safo and pleasant journey, and a quick recovery. The' .deafening cheers which followed testified to tho esteem and popularity of tho commandant, and that his well reasoned remarks had been fully appreciated. The men were loud in thoir praises- of 'tho; cordial treatment meted out by the peoplo of Malta, and are grateful for tho many kindnesses extended te them.