THE RIGHT SPIRIT.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XL, Issue 12540, 11 May 1915, Page 7

THE RIGHT SPIRIT.

HOW 7 BAD NEWS IS RECEIVED. By Telegraph. (Special to the Oamaru Mail.) Wellington, May 10. Those who are suffering the worst from the casualty lists set a splendid example to other New Zealanclers in their high sense of patriotism. A tribute of this kind is paid by the Minister of Defence to the relatives of the Expeditionary Force members whoso names; have appeared in the lists. "Perhaps the most touching and gratifying thing that has come into my experience,''' remarked the Minivter to your correspondent to-night "is the nature of the the replies I am receiving to telegrams 'sympathising with the relatives of our fallen and wounded men. Some of the.se messages are from mothers, and they are heroic. To my mind, they give evidence of a spirit which, if at all widespread, makes one feel certain that the future of New Zealand is in good hands." The Minister turned up some of these messages, and the following were noted: One proud and patriotic father telegraphed on learning of his son being wounded: "Many thanks for kind sympathy; proud of having two at front; another enlisting."

'J'ho nearest-of-kin of another wounded lad, his uncle, replied ''He is a brave lad, and I sincerely hope that his wounds are such that will enable him to again quickly take his stand in the ranks to fight for his King and country." "I trust his wound may not be serious and that he will again be able to take his place in the ranks against our enemies in honor of our Empire," replied a mother, upon being informed that lier boy's name appeared in the casualty list.