near
came presents for the soldiers. Churches gave collections for that
purpose; ladies' sewing circles sewed to buy them comforts; business
firms sent donations of goods; comforts, aye, and even luxuries, poured
into the camp, and while in other parts of the field our men were on
half or quarter rations, in the camp at Sterkstroom there were fruit
distributions night by night. Fresh butter and eggs came from the ladies
of Lady Frere and other places. Stationery, almost _ad libitum_, was
supplied. So that, notwithstanding rain and wind and many other
_dis_comforts, on the whole the troops at Sterkstroom managed to pass a
cheerful time. Hardships were before them, death was both behind and
before. Enteric fever was already dogging their steps, but still,
compared with many of their comrades, they might indeed 'rest and be
thankful.'

=The Soldiers' Home at Sterkstroom.=

Let us first of all glance at Mr. and Mrs. Osborne Howe in the midst of
their work. It is the opening of their Soldiers' Home. The date is
Thursday, February 15. About two thousand men are present at the opening
ceremony, and the general and his staff are also there. The assemblage
is thoroughly representative. There are the war correspondents of the
different papers; the chaplains of the Division; the Rev. Thomas Perry,
Baptist minister from King Williamstown; 'Captain' Anderson and
'Lieutenant' Warwicker of the Salvation Army; the workers of the
Soldiers' Christian Association, as well as of the Soldiers' Home; and
last, but not least, the ladies of the nursing staff from the Hospital
and Soldiers' Home. The band of the Northumberland Fusiliers is also
present to delight the company with its music. All sorts of good things
are provided by the generous host and hostess to delight the most
fastidious appetite--if there is such an appetite upon the veldt.

The general is in his happiest mood. He thanks the friends of King
Williamstown and Mr. and Mrs. Osborne Howe for their noble gift to his
men.

=The S.C.A. Tent Services.=

The Soldiers' Christian Association had their tent splendidly fitted up,
as all their tents are. But it was most unfortunate. Twice was it blown
down by fierce sandstorms, and on the second occasion the tent-pole was
broken beyond repair. A tree was, however--not commandeered,
but--bought. Handy men of the Royal Engineers speedily reduced its size
and placed it in position, and there it stood braving its native winds.

I