CHAPLAIN'S DUTIES.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15193, 13 April 1917, Page 3

CHAPLAIN'S DUTIES.

METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION. INFORMATION FROM HEADQUARTERS. Some interesting advice concerning the chaplains' department has been received by the Hon. Sir James Allen (Minister of Defence) from the London headquarters of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The information is to the effect that the chaplains are grouped into five sections—Church of Klnglcnd, Presbyterian, Roman Catholic. Methodist, and "other" churches, each of which, respectively, has the following authorised establishment:— twenty-three, twelve, eight, six, and two. Each group has a .senior chaplain, who, in addition to his duties in connection with the unit over which he Las charge of the spiritual welfare of the men, furnishes a report to the Commandant of the N.Z.E.F. in England on the work of his group, keeps in close touch with the authorities of his Church in Kew Zealand, informing them as to the probable requirements of reinforcements, and advises the Commandant in England of all requirements as regards the posting of the chaplains. A definite number of chaplains has been authorised for each of the principal units of the N.Z.E.F., in England, France, and Egypt. A reinforcement reserve of five officers is provided—two Church of England, one Presbyterian, one Roman Catholic, and one "other" denominations. None of the latter chanlains are appointed to permanent positions, but are kept available for nnointments to fill vacancies. Chaplains are attached to each of the New Zealand hospitals in England, and in addition to their spiritual duties, cooperate wth the 0-C. of the hospital concerned in superintending the distribution of gifts and comforts for the patients and organising entertainments and recreation for the men in cases (vhere these duties are not otherwise soecially arranged for. Chaplains at the advanced base, when possible, visit New Zealand patients in base hospitals in France. Chaplains in New Zealand hospital ships are appointed in New Zealand and are not available for duty in the field. An interchange of duties between chaplains of the N.Z.E.F. and those on hospital ships may, however, be mutually arranged for by the chaplains concerned, but in any such cases the authority of the Defence Minister must be, obtained. A chaplain is detailed by the Commandant of the N.Z.E.F. to accompany each draft of men of more than 100 officers and men returning to New Zealand on a trans • nort. The name of any such chaplain is cabled to New Zealand in order that a chaplain of the same denomination may be sent to relieve him.