FELLOW SOLDIERS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10062, 29 August 1918, Page 7

FELLOW SOLDIERS

SERBIANS AND MAORILANDERS. MUTUAL GOOD WISHES. Although the New Zealajjders ingeneral have not come into contact’ with thp Serbian troops, very pleasant" relations wore established "some time ago between a' New Zealand detach-;, niont and a Serbian detachment that, were encamped close to ono another. The incident is mentioned in a letter • from the late Captain R, J. S. Seddon to his family. Captain Seddon. was in command of the New Zealanders, who. before -they broke camp, desired to show their neighbours eomo little courtesy to mark their comradeship. They therefore ■ raised a - small fund, for the purchase of comforts for the Serbian troops,- and the amount was forwarded to the Serbian,, commandant, with the following lot-.-tor:— ■ “My'officers, non-commissioned officers and men, recognising the great hardships that your officers, under-, officers and men have for a considerable period undergone and are un- ■ dergoing, desire to offer you some assistance. We have always -held the soldiers of Serbia, our Ally, in great admiration, and we trust that soon your country will bo restored to you, bringing you back to your homes and your own people. I would therefore ask you , to accept from tho New Zealanders in camp hero tho sum of_ .£34 12s, raised by voluntary contributions for the use of your men, and 1 hope that the. amount, though small, will assist in, some way to obtain comforts. _ With tho best of good wishes, and in the language of our Maoris, Kia ora ta tau.” - . . , In reply Captain aoddon received from tho colonel in command of the. Serbians a note expressing “my sin-., cere sentiments to your rogimon'H, Which in so pretty a way proved their sympathy to our soldiers.” In halting, English the Serbian went on to say. that hia men would be cheered to know that in future struggles they would boaccompanied -by tho kind thoughts oftho Now' Zealanders. “In the name of> my officers, non-commissioned officersand soldiers.” the colonel added. “I please you to receive the espressos of our folTSw sentiments and, good wishes, that tho name of tho New Zealanders will gleam after this terrible war with the golden letters, and that the enemy in mentioning this war often mention tho name of tho fearless New Zeelander. 1 wish a long and happy life to you our dear fellows of war. Long may live the glorious British Amy. We want to meet’ on the Field of Glory!” ■ ■