TROOPS IN LONDON

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 39, 9 November 1917, Page 6

TROOPS IN LONDON

V ME. \W. RAYMOND'S CABLE. Sir,—l ha\e read' with considerable pain audi surprise the statement that I had reflected on the conduct of <ar troops in, London. Nothing has been further from my mind at any time, and I challenge anyono bo show that I have ever said a word in anyi way reflecting on their conduct. I have held them in too nigh admiration for that. 1 did not throw up my business, leavo my wife and family, and at my own expense spend two years working amongst them but for'the love of the men and admiration for the great work they have done and are still doing. I feel this gross libel on our boys very much. What I did say was that sufficient provision had not been made for oversea troops in London-in fact, I know of no provision whatever having boon mado by tho British authorities in any way on their behalf. In my remarks mado m Christchurch I distinctly mentioned, and gave every credit to, the work done by the War Contingent Association, Salvation Army, Church Army, and the I.M.UA. The inference seems to have been drawn that I said there was nothing being done. The point which I wish to make clear, and which has been missed, is the want of sufficient accommodation for the men arriving in London-the absence of clubs, etc., in the more frequented parts of the city. T un In regard to accommodation, 1 snau mention one fact that occurred. In Jun«, finding that the accommodation at the Shakespeare Hut was not sufficient, wo let a contract to provide 159 more beds. AVe proposed to use the materials only that were plentiful, but after wo had got General Richardson's keen support and the official sanction of Sir _ Irancis Llovd 0.C., London, the project was held in abeyance, and finally "turned down" at the beginning of September., During tho most of this period the War Contingent Association was able-to tako in only the men arriving on the ,nrst and last night of their leave. During the interval the men had to seek accommodation ' elsewhere. _ • My remarks concerning the streets, or London, which were spoken under considerable feeling, I leave to those who know the conditions and have worked there The casual observer does not/ know what the ovorsea troops have to contend with. Numerous letters have, however, appeared in London daily papers bearing on this subjeot. That .the well-being of overseas Dominion troops should be looked after 6y civil authorities from the working in conjunction with those ! already" there, and providing the personal touch, is to my mmd the most essential thing at the present time. In conclusion, the mistake has been that I have been accuseu of attacking the men's conduct in London, whereas I certainly wish to convey, and what has always been in my mind, is Ino lack of any preparation or appreciation of the welf man> the Brit sh authorities. At a meeting in London, held on the anniversary of the opening of Shakeroeaw Hnt, at which Mr. Raymond pSnfcof the War OonlinwrJ AkoUioii) was present, I used as far ..si can tell exactly the same words as those used bv me in Christchurch.-I am, etc., AV. G. JAMIESON.