DOMINION MINISTERS AT THE FRONT-

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2924, 9 November 1916, Page 5

DOMINION MINISTERS AT THE FRONT-

MR. MASSEY AND SIR JOSEPH WARD IN FRANCE THE IMPRESSIVE BUSINESS OF WAR The following dispatch lias been received from the New Zealand official war correspondent (Mr. Malcolm Ross): November 3. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward continued their tour along the Western front via Betlvune and Arras to tho Somme. They visited tho captured German trenches and dug-outs at La Boiselle, where there had been bitter fighting, and subsequently lunched with Sir Douglas Haig, who gave them a. cordial "welcome. One of our largest aerodromes was inspected, and the Prime Minister went for a flight in a, biplane. During a brief stay in Paris they called upon President Poincare, M. Briand, and General Roques. Asked for a message to New Zealand, Mr. Massey expressed his delight at seeing so many New Zealand troops at the front, and the cheerful confidence with which they were imbued. Though it would be impossible during tho winter months to avoid sotuo discomfort and hardship, nothing that could be accomplished m their interests was being left undone. Every where he beard nothing but praise of their work, especially on the Somme. It was particularly gratifying to witness the presentation on the field of decorations for bravery and distinguished services. The highest authorities had told him that the New Zealanders as a fighting force wore second to none. Although there

were undoubted signs of demoralisation in the German infantry, it seemed likely that the war would continue for a considerable time., The only way to make success certain and pre von t its dragging on for years was for every part of the Empire to keep up its full strength of reinforcements. Though there was universal sorrow for the relatives of the fallen, tho progress which had already been made, and in which tho Now Zealanders had played their part, was some consolation for their sacrifices. These had_ not been endured in vain. Sir Joseph Ward said that he was greatly impressed with his visit to the front, and it was a privilege to gather, from personal observations, some idea, of the gigantic work undertaken by the British armies in the field. The visit to tho Somme had made him marvel more, than ever at the wonderful accomplishment of our troops in tho face of the tremendous obstacles created by the enemy during a period of two years. From conversations with high authori- ' ties ho felt satisfied that, it was only a question of time when the British and French troops would work right through the enemy's lines. This visit to the Somme had specially impressed him with the fortitude and cheerfulness of our splendid soldiers. He was delighted to find tho New Zealanders in such good heart, so well equipped, and so well cared for generally. Th« gigantic nature _of the undertaking was fully exemplified by the enormous traffic and wonderful organisation behind the lines, as well as at tho front.