NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume L, Issue 175, 6 November 1917, Page 5

NEW ZEALANDERS IN LONDON.

(United Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 5. Statements have been published as coming from Mr W. G. Jamieson, who recently went Home as a commissioner for the New Zealand Y.M.C.A., to the effect that New Zealand soldiers are neglected in London, and that not nearly enough is done for them to prevent them from getting into mischief. This statement has come under the-no-tice of General Richardson in London, and he has forwarded the following message to the Defence Minister: "My view is that no soldiers are so well provided for in London as New Zealand, soldiers, as a result of the efforts of the Y.M.C.A. and the War Contingent Association, but whatever is done a small percentage will go astray. Mr M. W. P. Lascelles, the commissioner, and all the other Y.M.C.A. representatives in London, protest strongly against the statement, and have requested that the following telegram be sent on and publeshed in the press, if you consider it necessary:—"The representatives of the New Zealand Y.M.C.A. protest strong* ly against the charges reported to have been made by Mr Jimieson. Soldiers are met at railway stations and personally conducted by secretaries to huts and hostels. Guides are provided and tours arranged to places of historic interest. Hospitality is arranged in private homes, parties are taken to places of amusement, and every opportunity is taken to occupy the men's leisure hours. The streets are patrolled by secretaries every night, and men directed to suitable sleeping accomodation. .The New Zealand military authorities render great assistance, and cordially co-oper-ate with the New Zealand Y.M.C.A., and the War Contingent Association. Only a small percentage of the men are indiscreet." ■ DTJNEDIN, Nov. 5. Mr W. G. Jamieson, in a letter to the Otago Daily Times, repudiates entirely the suggestion contained in Mr Raymond's cable that he had -enected on the conduct of New Zealand soldiers in London, and states emphatically that his only complaint was against the Imperial authorities for not providing for the accommodation and welfare of men op Vave.