"DIGGERS'" GENEROSITY.

Northern Advocate, 22 October 1919, Page 1

"DIGGERS'" GENEROSITY.

A LUCKY STOWAWAY,

When the New Zealand soldier is in posesssion of money his generosity is proverbial. This was well instanced on the troopship Corboda, which arrived! in Wellington from England, on October 1. A few days out from the port of embarkation a stowaway, aged 12, appeared on deck. It appears that the lad had been living at the village of Bulford in Wiltshire, just on the outskirts of Sling Camp, where he had acted iti various capacities from rouseabout to cook's "off-aider." Not wishing to be separated from his "digger" pals he persuaded a softhearted cook to stow him away on the troopship. The youngster was given work on the ship as a brass-boy and proved himself a vigorous worker and an exceptionally intelligent lad. A few days out from Durban the kindly padre of the troopshp and the V.M.C.A.. secretary organised a collection on behalf of the young stowaway, and before arriving at Durban the delighted boy was presented with £24. ' Arriving at Durban, he went ashore with the rest of the New Zealanders, and was equipped with a new suit of clothing, a jaunty straw hat, a walking-stick, and to compete tout ensemble a watch and chain. Prior to reaching Wellington, a further collection was made, and a substantial sum handed over to the boy. To complete his cup of happiness a well-known farmer, returning to the North Island, took charge of him, and has guaranteed to look after him, and give him work on his farm. A boy with sufficient grit to embark on a trip of over 13,000 miles, not knowing what awaited him on arrival at his journey's end, should develop into a worthy New Zealander. In any case the incident rebounds greatly to the credit of the officers and "diggers" on the Corboda.