22 JULY 1916, Page 13

THE DISABLED SOLDIER.

[To TEX ED/TOR 07 THE " SPECTATOR] FIR,—With reference to the letter of Mrs. Macdonald in your issue of the 15th inst., I beg that you will be so kind as to draw attention, by publication of this letter, to the fact that the Incorporated Soldiers and Sailors' Help Society is carrying on on the lines indicated in your foot- note. Every county in Great Britain and most in Ireland are divided into districts, and most parishes in Great Britain have a " Soldiers' and Sailors' Friend " as you suggest. The last Annual Report showed 13,121 " Friends." There were 193 in Surrey according to the same. Measures have been taken for causing the name and address of the Friend " to be exhibited at the post office of every town or village and some other conspicuous place. The duties of " Friends " are very much what you suggest. They should act as a local friend and advisor who will counsel men in their distress and assist them to obtain their just dues from the Government and from local Committees. The Secretary of State for War has authorized a Commendation Form to be part of the documents of each soldier on discharge, one form to be given to the man and a duplicate to be sent to the " Friend " of the town or village to which he is proceeding.—I am, Sir, &c., Short Heath Lodge, Farnham, Surrey. (Hon. Sec., W. Surrey).

Gao. Caarsere, Colonel