NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

Gisborne Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 4874, 21 May 1918, Page 6

NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

GLOWING TRIBUTE TO THE Y.M.’s. [ “HARD TIMES’S’ ’ REJOINDER j TO MR. JAMIESON. j i There is hardly a freezing works * in this island where “Hard Times would be a stranger. He was a genial fellow, a hard worker, and a good friend. “Hard Times” lias been on active service since early in the war, and he was much annoyed when he read in a copy of the Gisborne Times an item of news from Christchurch which contained strictures by a Mr. Jamieson anent the alleged want or attention received by colonial soldiers whilst on furlough in the Great Hxih of the Empire. “Hard Times’’ writes to Mr. W. Oates, ol Tokomaru Bay, as under: — New Zealand (Command) Depot, Codford. Wilts. Sunday, March 3, 1918. “You were asking what I thought of Mr. Jamieson’s letter. Well, to tell you the truth I don’t know how a man could make such statements. I have been over since August, 1916, that is to say here and France, and I knoiv from my own experience a man coming over from France on leave from the trenches atter a year’s hardship is only too pleased to find; a cheery gentleman with a small, red triangle pinned in his coat and many others at Victoria Station only too willing any old hour to place at his disposal all the comforts and conveniences of our Y.M.’s in London The first requirement is naturally to see some of the wonders of London which he has been looking forward to for so long. -He lias only to attach himself to one of the many parties leaving at any old hour from any of the Y.M.’s-and especially from Shakespeare Hut. to go with a competent and gentlemanly guide over all the places of ancient and historic interest, and altogether spend his time to the best advantage. Of course lie also wants to see something of the gay side °’ as well and again the A.M. s come to the rescue and either get hnn- a good seat at one or other ol vhe theatres for nothing or at a reduced price. I could fill a book on the work our women-folk are doing for our comfort. I cannot tell you how much it annoys us that our good old Y.M. should get anything but the highest praise for the good work it is doing. If we can be trusted with the country’s future, it is about time we were trusted to Jive our own life.”