"K'S" LAST CABLE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume V, Issue 1360, 22 June 1918, Page 8

"K'S" LAST CABLE.

MESSAGE TO NEW ZEALAND. ONE OF OUR ARCHIVES. It is not generally known thnt one of the last, if not the very last, cablegrams dispatched by the late Earl Kite-heat* was a message to the Governor General oi New Zealand. That information was given by the Hon. G. AV. Russell to those assembled at the unveiling of the Lin wood Shool roll of honour last evening. He explained that, as Minister in charge of siek and wounded soldiers, he had been desirous of obtaining names for the two big octagonal wards at the Queen Mary HospitaJ, Haunier. The names of the British and French leaders—Kitchener and J off re—suggested themselves, and he had the Governor-General cable to the former asking permission. The reply cable was handed in in London on May 31, li*lfi, but. owing to being mislaid at an Atlantic station, was not delivered at Government House until June 4. The following day, June 5. Kitchener went down with H.M.S. Hampshire. The cablegram read: "Appreciate highly suggestion. It me great pleasure to assent. Regard as great privilege to have name thus associated with gallant New Zealand troops with their fine record of service. Joffre says he is profoundly touched at honour which New Zealand has done hiiu. He will be proud at knowing that a ward for sick and wounded troops who have fought so brilliantly bears his name.'' The Hon. Mr Russell states thnt the original of the cablegram i« to be framed ami deposited in the Museum, as one of the most important of the uatioual archives.