THE SOLDIERS

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XXII, Issue 5850, 25 September 1917, Page 5

THE SOLDIERS

Pah iatua district soldiers who were 1 wounded in the Somme and Messines engagements, subsequently wore in various English hospitals, and re turned home via Auckland, report that the trip out to New Zealand was delightful. The returning soldiers were given a great reception at Colon. Tlxy were entertained at a concert and taken for motor drivas. At Balboa they were treated in a similar manner, and it was thoroughly enjoyed. At Tahiti they atterided the funeral of an Auckland sergeant who had died. They were also taken for joy rides and provided with ample fruit free of cost. Tlie ‘food on Ixnartl the hospital ship was as go<xl as could be produced in hotels. The soldiers state that the Y.M.C.A. is universal at tlie front and gets as close to the firing lino as possible. Concerning “smokes.” the tobacco supplied the New Zealanders is of light and inferior quality. The “Three Castles” and Havelock are always very acceptable. Condensed milk is also appreciated. Private J. McPebk. of Nikau one qt the wounded soldiers who returned home lately, proceeds to the Rotorua Convalescent Home. Horace Terry, late of the Pahiatua Post Office, writing to a menilx-r off the “Herald” staff, was in August, training at Newport, Paguello. in a military telegraph course. Thie discipline was very strict. ai*l the food good. There were only four New Zealanders 1 there among 500 Tommies. He was quite fit. According to a letter iceived this week from a soldier who was ex(hvt—ing some money- jo reach him which he had cabled for two or three weeks

before, a soldier cannot go on leave ' without he has seven, pounds in his I look or to his credit, somewhere. The Second Division suggests the delays find expenses which is ex|X'ri< need a great deal in ithe matte,- of cabling money to soldiers can be obviated by the establishment in London <ri a furlough Fund.