MOURNFUL SOLDIERS' LETTERS.

NZ Truth, Issue 591, 14 October 1916, Page 8

MOURNFUL SOLDIERS' LETTERS.

Tho "Ko'.nische Zeitung" remarks that it has been generally observed that numerous letters from German soldiers at tlie front aro couched m melancholic tones, giving to friends and relatives the Impression that tho writer Is cad, and filling the hearts of those at homo with uneasiness. And yet, after exact Investigations, says the 'Kolnisehe," It has been proved that the writers of these letters are m excellent spirits. What, then is the explanation? Tho writers are simply afflicted with homesickness. They are thinking of their homes. They do not wish to make those at home sad or cheerless, but so long as they have a pen m their hands they see their home life swim before their eyes, they hear the children's talk, they see the friendly faces of wives, parents, Mends, they sco tho sunshine round their homos, and a longing for the old life and pouce comes over them. It Is this that casts a j»J»adow over their surroundings, and this shadow finds its expression m their letters. As a matter of fact, says the "Kolnlaehtv" they do not know what th»»y have written. After they have written and sealed their letters they forget ail about thorn, and they wonder, when they hear from home, why their friend* aro ull so anxious übout them. That Is the explanation. It Is only home' sickness. / /