WHAT DO THE SOLDIERS SAY?

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16895, 6 July 1918, Page 9

WHAT DO THE SOLDIERS SAY?

"YOU CAN'T BEAT THE ARMY." What does Khaki think of the Red Jersey? What does Khaki say? Christmas at the New Zealand Base, British Expeditioiiary Force, France, was a happy time for hundreds of New Zealanders by the help of the Salvation Army. Here is a bright passage from a letter of Adjutant Bladin to Commissioner Hodder:—

"We had a really jolly time. Tho hall was decorated, and over 500 men were handed a real useful gift from the Christinas tree. Afterwards supper was handed round and carols were sung. The Commandant said some very nico things about us and finished by saying; 'Well, boys, whatever in our "little show" is a success or not a success, the good old Salvation part comes out on top every time.' The boys, of course, cheered wildly.

" One of tho men came through the crowd on to tho platform and made a great speech. He paid: 'It is not often we get the chance, mates, to say thanks to the Salvation Army for all they do for us, but we are going to take it to-night.' Then followed his speech, which also was greatly cheered by the men."

No. 56362, New Zealand Expeditionary Force S)< -writing to a friend in New Zealand, f remarks :—

"lou would be surprised if you could seo what tho Salvation Army S6 doing for the soldiers and sailors in the way of meals and accommodation. These huts never close at all, day or night, and thousands of men mako uso of them. The Army has four huts in this place where tea and food and all that a soldier needs is supplied as cheap as possible Tho lasses who run tho place are kept very busy. All the men in camp swear by the Salvation Army— so they ought."

Similar praiso has been given by many other soldiers of all creeds. " You can't beat tho Salvation Army for personal work," was tho tribute of a soldier in conversation with a friend after'his return to New Zealand—and the witness gave convincing reasons for his statement.

During an open-air meeting on Hampstead Heath, a few months ago, a bystander made a disparaging remark about the Salvation Army. A soldier, convalescent from wounds, heard the thoughtless words, and promptly stepped into the ring.

"I'll tell you this," ho said : " I've seen none to come up to the Salvation Army for work. I've been in France two years, and have found them— the base, in the training, rest, and convalescent camps, as well as up near the firing-lineto be top holo! They're at our service day and night."

The "hear, heirs," from the other soldiers standing round showed that they, too, shared his high opinion of the Array's work across the Channel.

There is something about the condition and surroundings of the men at the front which draws from our officers their very best. Our comrades are- always hard at work, and it would bo difficult to tell when they finish or when they bogin their day's toil, for many of them go on half the night. In fact, the other morning otto of our largest huts, of which Adjutant and Mrs. Payne are in charge, was filled to overflowing. A colonel, who had been watching our officers, spontaneously addressed the men assembled in the following terms :— "These Salvation Army people are really killing themselves with work for you fellows, and I am sure you will be only too willing for me to order the hut to be cleared for an hour." Come to tho GREAT TOWN HALL MEETING, j i MONDAY NIGHT, And hear SIR JAMES ALLEN, COMMISSIONER HODDER, and MR. V. J. LARNER On THE WAR WORK OF THE ARMY.'I (Published by Arrangement.) i THE PROTESTANT POLITICAL ASSOCIATION. Copies of telegrams which have passed be-> tween the Rev. John Brennan, Adminis-. trator, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland,, i and the Rev. Howard Elliott, who is at present in Wellington :— " Rev. John Brennan, St. Patrick's Cathedral, Auckland,—ln consequence of an engagement in Wellington on Thursday, which I cannot postpone, our reply to your challenge must be delayed until , Tuesday.—Howard Elliott." !

Rev. John Brennan 'r reply :— " Rev. Howard Elliott, Wellington..— Your telegram received. We cannot gijiiit any extension of timo beyond that previously stipulated—eleven o'clock next Friday morning. We are ready to go on at once. We were entitled to assume you had sufficient evidence previously in hand to justify your publication of the challenge matter and to be ready to produce it on demand.— BnEKN'AN'i" Rev. Howard Elliott's reply: — " Rev. John Brennan, Auckland,— delay of our reply is entirely owing to ray inability to return to Auckland before Saturday morning. Your action on this, as on the Hamilton report, reveals an attitude out of sympathy with the suave wording of your challenge.—Howard, Elliott;"