COLONEL RHODES.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 698, 6 May 1916, Page 2

COLONEL RHODES.

A WELCOME HOME. GATHERING AT TAI TAPU. A large gathering assembled in the Town Hall at Tai Tapu yesterday afternoon, when the residents gave a hearty welcome home to Colonel R. Heaton Rhodes, who has just returned from his tour in Egypt. Representatives from the different counties in the electorate were present. Captain Macartney, the chairman, extended a hearty welcome. He said there was not the slightest doubt that Colonel Rhodes's visit to Egypt had been the means of improving the postal arrangements there. Mr J. Storrey (Southbridge) said their guest had been ready to give up his position as Minister, and to sacrifice his own personal comfort, to go and look after the men at the front, and he could not have been engaged in a greater mission. I Mr Isaac Andrew (Springs County Council) added his appreciation of Colonel Rhodes. Mr Cunningham (Leeston Town Board) and Mr H. E. Peryman (chairman of Tai Tapu Dairy Company) also spoke. Mr Walter Parkinson (chairman of Wairewa County Council) assured Col. Rhodes that no warmer welcome home was given to anyone than that which he wished him on behalf of the Kaituna people. Colonel Rhodes, on rising to reply, was greeted with prolonged applause, accompanied by cheers, and the singing of 'Tor He's a Jolly Good Fellow." He said he was pleased to have been of any benefit to the men, and he believed he did effect some good. He paid a high tribute to the splendid work which the New Zealand ladies had been doing for the men in th* trenches and in the hospitals in Egypt. They had sent the right things in the right way. Each case had on top a list of the articles contained, these went to the English Red Cross, and from there were distributed. The health of the men at the time of his leaving was excellent. There had been a shortage of comforts, but New Zealand led the way in a scheme for supplying such comforts as shaving soap, tooth brushes, etc., through chaplains and orderlies who were entrusted to purchase same and distribute them to the hospital. He was glad to say that the ladies who had gone from New Zealand rendered very excellent help in an organisation which met the troopships, and supplied refreshments at the end of train journeys. There were organised tea rooms, British Soldiers' Club, and Y.M.C.A. These supplied night meals at all times, took patients out, did visiting, and occupied their time in chatting to and cheering the men. In the hospitals the Australians and New Zealandcrs are well looked after. With regard to the treatment of men in hospitals, parents need have no fear of complaints either in Alexandria or Malta. When lie visited the men in the trenches their menu consisted of bully beef and biscuits, and as they craved for porridge he had been instrumental in having oatmeal sent' to them, and when he left they were being served with fresh bread, fresh meat, and milk (whenever possible) three times a week. Many failed to receive the billies and puddings sent to them. Tho senders of parcels were a sood deal to blame for improperly addressing them, or in sending perishable goods, such as apples insufficiently packed. Colonel Rhodes showed some relics and weapons of the war, and answered many anxious enquiries about relatives and friends at the front.