N.Z. MOUNTED BRIGADE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 617, 1 February 1916, Page 7

N.Z. MOUNTED BRIGADE.

| MARCH OUT OF CAMP. AN INSPIRING SCENE. WELLINGTON, January 31. j The following special message, I dated January 23, has been received I from the official war correspondent with the New Zealand Expeditionary Force:— “Though there is, apparently, no immediate likelihood of serious or | prolonged fighting, to-day the Mounted Brigade marched out of camp. jThe scene was quite inspiring, as, to the music of its band, the long [column rode out. The horses were jin fine condition, while the men j impressed one as hardy specimens ' of the bone and muscle of a prosperous Dominion. The new leaven 1 of reinforcements seemed worthy of the regiment that earned undying i fame in the night attack across the foothill of Chunuk Bair, and in the . more desperate and bloody encounters on Hill CO. The new General looked proud of his command, as well he might be. Visit of Colonel Rhodes. Colonel the Hon. R. Heaton d* Rhodes, himself a cavalryman, witnessed the departure of the Brigade, and received many friendly greetings from officers and men. He was able to convey the news to a Canterbury Sergeant-Major that his ~ brother, a doctor in London, had received a knighthood. Colonel Rhodes spent a fortnight at Malta, visiting 24 hospitals and convalescent depots, where he saw . many New Zealanders. He arranged, in conjunction with the Red Cross, various matters that will add to the comfort and contentment of the men, especially in connection with the distribution, of New Zealand j gifts, which, owing to the regulations, there was some difficulty I about. Gratitude of Empire. | Lord Methuen, Governor of Malta, ■ takes a special interest in the sick [and wounded men, and on January j 7 he sent the following message to j the Australian and New Zealand [convalescent me it, who were returning to their homes: “I cannot say how sorry I feci at being unable to come and wish you God-speed. It has been a great pleasure to me to have had you at Malta, and the Red Cross to make your slay as happy as possible under the circumstances. You return to your colonies having,, earned the admiration and gratitude of the Empire for your splendid work at Anzac and Cape Helles.” Gifts for the Troops. Owing to the exigencies of the evacuation at Anzac and the difficulties of transport during that time of stress, the Christmas gifts from New Zealand are only now reaching | the troops. Careful enquiries lead jto the conclusion that the best re- ~ suits are obtainable only by establishing a Central Executive in New Zealand to deal with the whole mat- | ter of gifts upon broader lines. At I present there is considerable over- | lapping, some men getting a super- { abundance of gifts while others are j almost neglected. Cases containing [gifts should be oblong and suitable [for mule transport, and hooped and !screwed to prevent looting. Duplicate inventories, one sent by post [and one packed inside the cases, [would save a great deal of labour 'and considerable delay here. It is (not necessary to send cigarettes | now, as they can be purchased here [at a penny per packet. ! The weather is fine and cold, and the health of the troops is much improved. ROUTE MARCH. Press Association. WELLINGTON, January 31. The route march of the reinforcements in Auckland has been fixed for Friday next, not Saturday.