H.M.S. PHILOMEL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17098, 22 February 1916, Page 2

H.M.S. PHILOMEL.

LETTER FROM CAPTAIN HALLTHOMPSON. "Owing to , a change «f locality mails have got a bit .involved, but matters are readjusting themselves," says Captain Hall-Thompson. of RM.S. Philomel, in - the course ,of a letter to the Minister of Defence (the 1 Hon J. Allen). "The half-ton of butter that was sent from. New Zealand by the Tahiti arrived rapidly and in very good condition. I trust that the generous donors realise with' what "very great appreciation it was* received. Before it came butter hao been an unknown thing on the. ship for some time, indeed' since the last lob was received from New''Zealand. ... I am afraid tha-t the Christmas gifts have missed us and gone to for the second time, but I think all enjoyed it. "We had difficulty in securing Christmas fare, but when I Went round the mess decks I' think they were doing fairly well. Your telegram was appreciated by all. It was nice to feel that New Zealand bras thinking of us at 8 a.m." Captain Hall-Thompson proceeds to speak most appreciatively of the" work of the crew, which includes-a, large proportion of New Zealanders. He mentions that the Fhilomel lias borne the strain of the war wonderfully well. Ho thanks the Government for the.prompt and favourable consideration given to the needs of the crew with regard to messing allowance, separation allowance and other matters.