NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL SHIP NO. 2.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 11671, 11 April 1916, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND HOSPITAL SHIP NO. 2.

HIGH COMMISSIONER VISITS . MARAMI [From Ocn Coebespoxben-t.] LONDON, February 15. New Zcalanders in London liava lately been gladdened 'by visits "from members of the staff of the Marama, now lying in English waters, and their accounts of the work this fine ship lias been doing was made all the- more vivid to a number who with Sir Thomas Mackenzie and Miss Mackenzie paid it a visit on Saturday last (February 12). This party was entertained at. lunch by Lieutenant-Colonel Cook. Their host, in proposing the health of the High Commissioner, expressed his pleasure at seeing him on board; for, he added, they all knew how keen an interest Sir Thomas took in everything connected with the men on this side. He felicitated Sir Thomas on his new honour, and added that it Had given wide satisfaction. The High Commissioner, in reply f said it was an education to go over the splendidly-appointed ship, the finest he had seen. Speaking on behalf of those who would require to use the vessel, he was sure their hearts were full of gratitude .to Lord Liverpool and all who had. helped to provide such an excellent comfort for the men who were devoting themselves to the defence of th© Empire. He knew that those who had control of the ship would see that the very best use that could be made of her would be made. It was known how the men had suffered in Gallipoli through lack of hospital ships, and he hoped that such suffering would bo avoided in the future. Speaking of the hospitality received that day, he said it was really a breath of New 'Zealand. They had eaten blue cod, whitebait and excellent lamb and mutton—all from New Zealand, but perhaps that which had appealed, most to him was the delicious New.Zealand butter. It was without doubt the finest butter landed in England, but for reasons which he need **ot go into then it was not nearly so widely available as it ought to be for those who wished it on their tables. Tins he hoped to see corrected. He told them how proud he was of the part played by New Zealand, and felt sure that the men of the [Dominion were making, history in which their country would occupy a- most honoured niche. .