AT THE FRONT.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16259, 9 July 1918, Page 7

AT THE FRONT.

MR MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD. (PRESS ASSOCIATION TELEGRAM.) "WELLINGTON, July 8. The following message, dated July 4th. has been received from the New Zealand official war correspondent, Mr Malcolm Ross: —

Tne Ministers continue to have an extraordinarily busy time. While witn the New Zealand force from morning till night, their little fleet of cars carried them over, country roads, and unit after unit was inspected and addressed. Tho great desire of Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward seemed to be to see as many men as possible, .pod by the close of the tour they vrill hive seen almost all the New . Zealandcrs. In addition to seeing the infantry, artillery, and other units on parade «n considerable masses, they also went out of their way to visit smaller and even permitted many personal interviews. renewing old acquaintances and friendships and listening to individual requests. Their speeches necessarily contained a repetition of facts <igures already known m New Zealand, though not always known to the men at the front, because in these days news travels on slow and uncertain wings. Certainly it was news to very many of the men to find what a greus deal (he Nov;. Zealand Government had already done through legislation in the interests of the soldiers after the war, and for those who return during .'ts continuance. Generally it may be said that both Ministers were invariably able to express their pleasure at the splendid i|j-pearanc-e of tho officers and men <m parade, as well as at the fine condition of the horses, the latter being a point upon which Mr Massey especially expressed his satisfaction. The ouostion of granting leave to New Zealanders was frequently referred to by the men. and the Ministers explained that that matter was beiag satisfactorily dealt with.

On Tuesday the Ministers saw another infantry brigade on parade, also brigades and batteries of artillery. Ihev also inspected the-waggon lines. the afternoon thev motored to the New Zealand base, inspecting and addressing tho troops the next morning. In the afternoon they motored to Parh, visiting on the way the Cyclists' Battalion and sonic outlying New Zealand troops. To-day there are functions in connexion with American Independence Day in Paris, and an important conference at Versailles.

AUCKLAND, July 8. A cable message has been received by Sir James Allen from Mr Massey. as follows: —

"Have just returned from Franco. Saw not fewer than 20,C00 of New Zealand Expeditionary Forces. Their general health was good. All units woro visited. "Will telegraph further particulars in a few days."