GENTLEMEN ALL.

Patea Mail, Volume XLIV, 1 December 1920, Page 3

GENTLEMEN ALL.

NEW ZEALANDERS AT HOAIE. An interesting letter, which reached the Prime Minister (Air. Alassey) by the last mail, is as follows:—“Westoc, Torquay, England, October 8, 19-0 — Dear Sir, —It it with both gratification and surprise that I received latch' a beautiful illuminated card from the New Zealand Government, and what I prize equally a circular letter (but addressed to me), containing thanks for my small share in cheering the lives of your and our New Zealand soldiers while they wore stationed on our hill, waiting as convalescents to be repatriated. I feel equally ashamed at receiving [my recognition, it was so little I could do, except giving them baths, which they did enjoy. The poor fellows’ gratitude was abundant reward, and I would like to bear my testimony to 'their excellent behaviour for of the nearly 2000 who had baths during some eighteen months, none ever took any liberties, nor acted otherwise than as thorough gentlemen. It was a very great pleasure to do that small service- for them, and I was glad to believe that I was helping ever so little to increase the good understanding between English and New Zealanders. I have always had a great interest in Now Zealand, 'as my uncle Sir William Fox, made it his home for 50 years, and, indeed, was one of your predecessors in the office of Prime Minister. He called the property in which lie lived in the Rangitikci district Wcstoc (the same as above) to commemorate his own birthplace in the North of England. So New Zealand has been familiar name in our family. Now I have still further links of goodwill with your country through these soldiers, and the delightful New Zealand sisters from the neighbouring hospital, whom I had the pleasure of housing, in turns, for a few months. So us I have so often fold them, ,thc advantage was all on my side, and I do not deserve thanks, which, however, I greatly appreciate. Yours faithfully, (Sgn.) Alary .I. Lombe. ’’