N.Z. PRISONERS IN TURKEY.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15131, 27 January 1917, Page 9

N.Z. PRISONERS IN TURKEY.

REITERATED COMPLAINS. A MATTER FOR THE GOVERNMENT. Mrs H- Earles, Mackay Street, Wanganui East, has received two post cards from her son. Corporal F. J. Earles, who is a prisoner in Turkey. Under date October 1. 1916, the writer acknowledges the receipt that day of a letter dated March 22, and repeats what he and other New Zealand prisoners of war in Turkey have so frequently alleged, that they get very little mail or anything else, while other prisoners get money independent of 100 piastres per month from America. He says that only the previous week the Australians got 100 piastres each, and it is not the first sent them. He adds; “Our people seem to think we don’t want money. I can assure you, one can’t get on here without it. Fully 50 per cent of our camp (350 men) are down with fever. I have only had a slight touch, and am well.” In another card, dated October 22, Corporal Earles says: “We are a sorry lot just at present. Nearly everyone is down with fever, and there have been several deaths. I am pleased to say I am well, having had only a slight touch of fever. With the winter almost here, it is considered the fever will stop- I hope so, as it is playing havoc with our camp. 1 received three parcels from England to-day from Mrs Rathbone.” This complaint of the New Zealand prisoners’ in Turkev was brought before the local Patriotic Association a long time ago. and the Government wa r immediately communicated with on the subject, the matter being since repeatedly brought before the New Zealand authorities. The Defence authorities have stated that money has been cabled Home for the benefit of the prisoners, and that the AgentGeneral had the matter in hand.

, In view of the repeated complaints, wc are satisfied there has been neglect on the part of the New Zealand authorities or those to whom they have entrusted matters connected with the relief or New Zealand prisoners in Turkey. The matter should be sifted to the bottom. Then men have been prisoners now for 16 months, and sure--1 • by this time some means should have been found of communicating with them. We hope the local Patriotic Association will not rest content with mere assurances that the matter is receiving attention. Inquiries should be made in Australia as to how the authorities there keep in communication with Australian prisoners of war in Turkey.