OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT.

Mataura Ensign, Issue 856, 21 February 1901, Page 5

OUR BOYS AT THE FRONT.

LETTER FROM TROOPER DONALD HENDERSON.

Mr W. Henderson bus jast received a letter from bis son Trooper D. H. Henderson, of the second contingent, dated from Pretoria on loth January. He says: "We came into Pretoria last night, and are now camped aboct four miles from town. We have been trekking about the veldt since earl; in November, and after a few days spell I suppose that we will be at it again. Our horses are all done up and the men require new kits, as most of us are practically in rags. W c will be refitted here, and will be ready for duty in a day or so. lam sorry to say that the Second Contingent is very insignicant in point of numbers at present, as out of 250 men who left New Zealand there are now only about 60 fit for duly. A large number are in the hospital with fever and other ailments. We are all looking forward to getting orders for home, as our 12 months' service is up, and we are tired of the war, which is now practically over. General Paget told as on parade in November that we would be doing police work, to which Mr Stddon some time ago took exception, but since then he has cabled to Lord Kitchener saying that he can keep us as long as he wants us. I suppose that the battle of Rhcnoster Kop, in which the New Zealanders got such a doing, altered bis mind, or does he expect to figure among the New Year honors ? lam glad to say that lam in good health, and have been everywhere with the company since July, and expect to be with them till they leave for home. lam sending Alex, a parcel of curios, which I am glad to get rid of, as I have carried them round tbe country for miles and miles." CULINARY JOKE BY TROOPER MOLONEY. Mr 1). Collins, of the Southland Hotel, Gore, bas received the following eloquent epistle from Trooper J. D. Moloney, dated from Johannesburg, January 15:-"Dear Southland Hotel Dining Room,—l wish I were back within jour precincts again. I would give things a bit of a shake. Take an old man's advice, boys, and stiy at home as long as tucker is there. mix OF J-ARE ON THE VELDT. Soups. -Boiled beef tin, and shadow. Entrees. —Minced horse and old rope. Joints.—Stand to arms; finish dinner tomorrow. NEXT HAY'S ISINQUKT. Sweets.—Cossack post, stewed guard, iced fatigue. Tea, Collee, Cocoa.—Last seen at Southland Hotel, Gore. God save the Queen and N.Z.R.R.! And I can't make out why soldiers growl.'