OUR SICK AND WOUNDED.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16268, 29 June 1916, Page 6

OUR SICK AND WOUNDED.

The improving methods of the Imperial military organisation, as well as the earnest desire of the Imperial authorities to do the best for our colonial troops, are both cheeringly illustrated by the decision arrived at for the hospital treatment of our sick and wounded soldiers. Much uneasiness was caused by a proposal to make use of the extensive hospital facilities established in Egypt for the treatment of men from the western front, nor was an alternative suggestion that hospital accommodation might be found for them in France received very kindly. The United Kingdom is the motherland of the overseas British ; the instinct of our soldiers, as the heartfelt wish of our peoples, has been that the sick and wounded who cannot be returned for treatment to their own countries should go to the Homeland, with its friendly faces, known tongue, and common tradition. Egypt is alien to us all, and with but a poor reputation as a ■woundhealing and spirit-raising clime. Even France is strange compared with the British Isles, where the men of every British nation feel among their own. The Imperial authorities have met our wishes in this matter. It has been officially notified to His Excellency the Governor that all our New Zealand soldiers sick or wounded, while serving in France, will be sent to the United Kingdom, as will the sick and wounded of those serving in Egypt if these are likely to be injuriously affected by the Egyptian climate or require special treatment. Those unable to return to the front will, of course, be returned to the Dominion. This completely satisfactory solution of a problem which is far from being an easy one, owing to the very great strain which is being placed upon, the hospital and convalescent institutions of the United Kingdom, will be appreciated by the relatives and friends of all, soldiers, as well as by the men themselves.