WAR SERVICES

Otago Witness, Issue 3426, 11 November 1919, Page 23

WAR SERVICES

TRIBUTE TO ALL BEANCHE9L

THANKS OF THE PEOPLE

WELLINGTON, November 5. The following motions, submitted by tho Prime Minister, were agreed tho House of Representatives at tho close of. tho morning sitting: - "That this House, in the name of and on behalf of the people of New Zealand gratefully acknowledges and accords it 3 thanks for the devoted services" of all ranks of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, all ranks and ratings of the New Zealand naval forces, and members of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service-, whose conspicuous and noble achievements in the face of constant dangers and difficulties on land and sea through four years of war have created such imperishable traditions for this young dominion, and have contributed so muoh towards winning for New Zealand tin honourable place in the fraternity of nations. "That this House, in a spirit of reverence and pride, honours the memory of those New Zealanders -who gave their lives in obedience to the call of justice and freedom in the service of their country and humanity; to their relatives in the hour of their sorrow this House tenders its respectful sympathy." This motion was carried by members standing in silence. "That this House, in the name of and on behalf of the people of New Zealand places on record its profound sense of gratitude to all branches of the Imperial and Allied navies and to the officers and men of the mercantile marine, -who by their ceaseless vigilance and undaunted spirit in the face of unparalleled arid unknown dangers failed not in keeping open the long lines of sea communication, without which would have been impossible the transportation not only of our forces, but also of those supplies which ■were so vitally necessary to preserve the Allied people from want and their cause from disaster. , "That this House in the name of and on behalf of tho people of the dominion places on record its deep sense of appreciation of the many kindnesses, courtesies, and privileges extended to members of the. New Zealand Expeditionary Force on active service. To the people in the various parts of the world -who offered the hand of fellowship to tne New Zealand soldiers and who helped to cheer and comfort them whether in hospital, on furlough, in camp, or on rout* to and from the seat of war the dominion tenders ita grateful thanks."

The motions were seconded by the Leader of the Opposition; and weTO feelingly discussed and unanimously agreed to. All present in the chamber stood while the Speaker read the motion honouring the dead and several members, mere especially those who had lost near relatives in the war were very much affected.

At the instigation of tho Mayor of Hastings the local people have decided to erect an emergency hospital and maternity SiomQ as a war memorial at a cost of

£14,000 to £15,000, on an area of about seven acres. Tho Minister of Public Health has promised a £1 for £1 subsidy k up to £4OOO.