SALVATION ARMY WORKERS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17426, 21 September 1918, Page 8

SALVATION ARMY WORKERS

LIFE AMONCST THE SOLDIERS. DEATHS FROM SPANISH INFLUENZA, Stall Captain Walter Winton, of tho Salvation Army, who was born and eaucatee at ita veils bourne, w.ntes an interesting lector irom til© New Zealand Command iJepot at Oodtord, Wilts, under date July 'd 6, ol tho work of the body to which, ho is as taciied. Tiio letter reads: — Another month has gone, and a changc has taken plaoe. <Joionol M'Jxuuzie lia: gono to France. Truly he was loved by all tho boys. He was presented by tut officers with a silver cigar case. Colonej Oarterry medical officer) made some line remarks concerning the colonel's work here. Twenty thousand men (INew Zealanders) have passed through tins depot, 17,000 going back to France, some the second and third times; and 10,0 iX) back to New Zealand permanently unlit. One cannot forget that tne camp is a diliicult place to work, lor iXJ per cent, of the men who pass through tins depot have already bean through the mill, and had a good gruelling, hence both their bodies and spirits need to be repaired, if that is possible. Colonel Griffiths is in charge, assisted by Major Dovey. We are looking forward to a happy time. The Spanish "flu" lias visited us and done its work, hundreds being ail'ected, myself amongst them. The pains in head, back, and limbs are really cruel, and last for four days. No. 3 hospital was overcrowded, and special apartments had to be secured. Sisters and nurses had such a busy time. Quite a number ol our boys went West this month. Full military honours were given to each. The rose bushes are now in full bloom, adorning the last resting place of our men. The "flu" was responsible for sending me away for a fortnight I needed a rest, and it has done me good. I visited Glasgow and many other centres. The trip down the Clyde was an> eye-opener. Hundreds of vessels were in all stages oi construction, miles of water front being used for this industry. Large wages are being earned by tho workers, but 1 am sorry to say it is being squandered in a bad way. The system of a family living in a flat in two or three rooms is largely in vogue. Great hopes are entertained for fresh housing arrangements after i!he war. Food is not so scarce in Scotland as in London. In the Royal Albert Hall General Booth conducted a service, showing some of the movements oi the Salvation Army woork amongst the boys. One ambulance was present which carried 20,000 wounded men. slides were shown of the Codford Hut, all being, well received. The Christian Science gives a report about the Salvation Army work. It stated that 400 huts are maintained as rest-reading rooms, and 3,000,000 men are fed; 800 officers are kept busily engaged, so you can see we are in tho thick of it. I would like to say in the different centres our boys for their conduct and manners are held in the highest favour. The Hun airmen have got among oar hospitals. The paper quoted that 841 sisters, nurses, and men were killed in a fortnight in France (a very sad business). During 1917 the number of pilots killed was 800. The air people have suggested that a parachute should be used to save life. I should have said , that Sergeant Sawyer carried my 6ing-song on for 10 days, then Padre Garner relieved him. Padre Garner is over from Franco for a few days. I received a letter from one of our boys, and I enclose it. (I might say the boys call me "digger," a term of endearment—a cobber, a friend, a brother): — "Hornchurch Hospital. Dear "Digger,"— Just a few lines from one of the "boys" who have been fortunate enough to share some of the privileges, etc., you. have brought in the Command Depot, when I was there. You are the "dinkum" goods, —the real genuine Padre. The boys think the world of you, and I don't think I am far wrong in saying that your name is known and respected throughout the N.Z.E.F. Some of us are absolutely rough, but what does that matter to Digger? Absolutely nothing. One and all are the same. Then it's cheers for him? Perhaps you may think that what I have written is "bosh," not by any means, it is the genuine remarks and thoughts of one of the "Roughs," so with more cheers for the "white man," I'll close, hoping this finds you in the best of health, so that you will be able to carry on your good work. —Ivia Ora. Ahoa! —"Rough No. ?/????."