FROM THE FRONT.

Western Star, 2 November 1917, Page 2

FROM THE FRONT.

Sergt. Ernest G. Hunter, writing from Sling Camp, England, to a friend in Riverton, says:

“I have once more returned to Sling, after six months’ service in France, by way of the hospitals. in Staples, Walton-on-Thames, and the convalescent hospitals, Hornchurch and Oodford, the latter being the place where the men are hardened off before coming here to begin, again their hard training. At the present time the 25th Reinforcements are in ictivo training in the “ bull ring,” and doing splendidly. To me they certainly look a, likely lot, and the same applies to the last half of the 24th Reinforcements', who arrived last week (the first half are in France) after a very protracted voyage of thirteen weeks and two. days, but which, the men say. was nevertheless most enjoyable. • This is a beautiful camp, and it is fitted with every convenience, including hot and cold showers, drying room, for clothes, etc. As to food, the new arrivals, say it is both plentiful and good, and there is absolutely not an ounce wasted. The instruction given embraces all that is at all heeded in the fighting line l , and is given by first-rate instructors. As to the social side of the men’s lives, nothing is left undone to make their brief stay enjoyable. We have the finest Y.M.C.A. institute I have seen since I came on, service where men may go after parades for the day are over, and buy all kinds of refreshments cheaply, see cinema shows, and play all kindsi of indoor games, together \ritli fine concerts, reading and writing rooms, both for officers and men. The troops march 'off the parade ground to the “ bull ring,” to. the strain of the brass, or pipe bands, and the marching) has to be good to satisfy the Regimental Sergeant Major, a very fine drill-master himself, with a good pass at the Guardis School. While in Walton I met Harry Johnstone, of Riverton, who, despite the unfortunate loss of a leg, was as * bright as a button. Also- in my ward I met young Stirling. He bad a nasty wound in the foot, but was ooing on fine. Sister Mclntyre was in No. 11 doing splendid work amongst the boys, who think the world of her ; and no wonder, for there is no more devoted and hard-working sister in the hospital, and I am proud to come from the same district. On my way back from Eastbourne, when on sick leave, I went to see my brother Theo, who was wounded on Mcs,sines ridge. He was very bright, considering the nature of his wounds—one in the bead, shoulder and thigh. His head is now healed and, I understand, lie is walking with the assistance l of two sticks, and hopes soon to go on sick leave to my miother-in-law’s, Mrs Kerridge, of Eastbourne, Sussex. I have also been to visit my brother Teddy at Lark Hill, some three miles from here. He is the Depot .Sergt.-Majot Band-master of the 3rd Training; Battalion, Australian Infantry Force. He is keeping well, and was very pleased to see me again. Hisi band is a very fine one, and it does a great deal of playing. You will, I expect', be surprised to know, all being well, that before this reaches you . I shall be. on my way home' to' dear old New Zealand again, together with about 60 other men, who have seen service and have been, selected by the General Commanding to return home’ for duty in the camps as instructors, soi trust to see good old Riverton and friends soon.”