THE GREAT ARMY OF BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2870, 7 September 1916, Page 6

THE GREAT ARMY OF BRITAIN

A TRIBUTE FROM FRANCE Generous tributes to the British Army and its work in the field have been appearing in tho French papers. Ouo of the most brilliant is contributed to "L'lnformation" by Capitaine M., an officer who has clearly been in close touch with tho British forces, and who describes the revolution that has been wrought. Tho effort at recruiting made by Lord Kitchener, he declares, has been often described, "but that which is more remarkable still, and less Enown, is the manner in which tho internal improvement of the Army has ,oeen pursued without relaxation, at the cost of bloody experiences and of terrible labour, which has made of the English Army what •it is at this moment —a force marvellously well trained." Paying his tribute to the splendid quality of tho Expeditionary Force, tho French captain goes on to describe tho long process of apprenticeship which had to be served by the new battalions as they arrived—how thoy were schooled tn tho trenches, new regiments being brigaded in turn witth those of more experience. "The method employed was a little like that of the bather who ventures first one leg and then the other before he commits himself to the water." Especially difficult was the training of the new artillery, for which a veritable school had to be established. And officers accustomed to the control of no more than a division had to learn their new business in tho movement of groat masses almoat from the beginning. "There was a brief moment, already distant, when many of the officers were near being discouraged. After many months of work, they believed themselves to have approached the goal—the victorious offensive —but a costly experience revealed to them the fact that, if the infantry was equal to its task, the artillery and tho directing force had still much to learn.

"To-day tho great Army of Britain welcomes at last the fruits of its sacrifices. It knows itself ready. As yet it has not attained the maximum of its power. But the instrument is henceforth at hand." Tho French captain explains how advice and assistance were sought from the French, but this was not followed slavishly. The British Army had its owu national characteristics, its own organisation, its own methods. He ends with this tribute: "Never has the moral of the British Army, from the simple Tommy to tho General, been higher th'an at this moment. Firm confidence fills all hearts, confidence founded not upon a vain pride of race,'.but upon tho just feeling of accomplished progress. Wo have every reason to share this confidence. Thoso who have seen the English soldier fighting, and who know that his dash,, contrary to ancient opinion, is even superior to hilt power of holding firm, have long told _ themselves that, once fully provided with munitions.and past the stage of- apprenticeship, he would, form a formidable striking force. From now. on the munitions aro abundant. The training , has been completed. 'We can count upon our Ally accomplishing great things. We owe it to ourselves to . render tnis Army justice,- with just such sincerity' and warm admiration as the English have known how, in the last four months, to praise tlie.French Army for the defence of Verdun."

RUBONIC PLAGUE AT BRISTOL DRASTIC STEPS TAKEN. AustnJian.Uew Zealand Cable Association. (Rec. • September 6; 6.55 p.m.) London, September 6. The authorities Jiavo taken drastic measures to stamp out tho outbreak of bubonic plague at Bristol, and have' burned the rat-infested buildings. FOR THE SOLDIERS e CHAPLAIN MULLINEUX APPEALS. The canvas camp at Tauherenikau is now in good working order, and it is a popular one with the troops, bo far as its suitability for camping and training purposes is concerned. But thero is still room for much improvement as regards the opportunities for rest and recreation after parade hours. Efforts are being mado to provide better accommodation in this respect, by the chaplains of the various denominations who work at Taiiherenikau under the direction of their headquarters at Featherston. "he Church of England chaplain is Chaplain-Cap-tain Mullineux, a man of considerable fame, who began his duties there this week. Captain Mullineux wishes it to be known that thero is urgent need for a piano and _ books and magazines, which, if provided, would find a sphere of usefulness in a tent which he is erecting for tho use of' the men in camp as a reading and writing room. For this tent, and for another which has been provided by Wellington patriotic people, for tho use of officers in tho camp, tables and chairs are also required. Under present conditions the officers have no resting place except the mess tent in which their meals are served and in their tents. So that their needs are considered to be urgent. Means of communication between Featherston and Tauherenikau id the chaplains' free movement, and for the prompt delivery of parcels or articles required in tho work is another stumbling block. Frequently the chaplains have to walk tho two miles. To obviate this disability, Captain Mullineux suggests that_ some citizen of tho Wairapa or Wellington, who possesses a motor-oar not in use, might place it at his disposal for as long as the owner is able to spare it. Its usefulness could not be over-estimated, and it would be kept in good order and returned when asked. There are, usually 2000 men in Tauherenikau camp, and tho vork of the cliaplains is consequently considerable.

"I'm not asking for these things for myself or my own personal convenience," said Captain Mullineux. "I'm sure everyone will agree with me that wo. cannot do enough for tho men who have saorificed so much'in enlisting to fight for their country. Thero is such a groat deal that wo could do if we had tho facilities." "

All parcels of gifts and communications in regard thereto, should bo addressed to Chaplain-Captain Mullineux, Tauherenikau camp, Wnirarapa.