NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 76, 22 December 1917, Page 3

NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE

A VISIT TO THE LINES

THE HIGH COMMISSIONER'S IMPRESSIONS "I have just returned from ibinost interesting and instructive visij|©V our men in Erance," wrote tho High Commissioner (Sir Thomas Mackenzie) from London a few weeks ago. ' "The military authorities placed every facility at my disposal. I was met at BouJogno and proceeded by car the same night to General Godley's Headquarters, and afterwards to. General Plumers. Jho following day I went _to the front, where I saw the Messines battlefield. This lias been frequently described, and I will not tako up your time repeating what must bo familiar, although I may say that what was once rich countiy devoted to intense agriculture, teeming with orchards and bright with villages, is now a dreaiy waste, littered with overy possible kind of refuse. The German people havo not suffered tho agonies of seeing their land devastated, and no reparation which they can make can ever replace that which they in their crinio against humanity havo destroyed. The Messines Battle was a desperate undertaking, and it was magnificently carried out. It looked an impossiblo task, yet our lads accomplished it. . "I had an opportunity of seeing some of tho partly-devastated chateaux and some of the untouched areas, and had tho honour of being entertained by some families belonging to the old French aristocracy. It seemed to bo almost a breath of the life which cro reads obtained during tho period tf France's greatest refinement. Next day being Sunday I attended Dmne service, conducted in a cornfield 1 , tur lads were assembled, aud aJi impressive sermon was preached. At the conclusion of tho service I asked any of the lads who knew me or whose parents knew me, or anyone who wished to talk with me, to como forward. A great many did so, several sons or valued old friends, and wo had a most interesting chat. That evening I spent at General Russell's Headquarters, where a'gain great kindness was extended, and, as was the case at General Godley's, a nice dinner was arranged,at which a great many New. Zealand friends were present and a most enjoyable eveniug was spent. It afforded relaxation to the -men, who aro constantly called upon to perform arduous military duties. The following day, in responso to an invitation fiom General Birdwood, I visited another portion of the front, and saw some aerial fighting immediately above our heads. Thero was also very heavy artillery firing about three or four miles distant. I regret to say that.General Birdwood has been gassed, but not a "Tlio visit- conveyed to my mind tho impression that the work was being excellently carried on; everything; appeared to be well and all, from generals to privates, doing their duty well and faithfully. I had many opportunities of speaking to tho men, and at different assemblies I was asked to say a few words, which I d'd. As to conditions generally in I may say that our men aro well .ed, well clothed, and accommodated in camps, etc., as good as circumstances will permit. I was asked several times to say that the men had no complaints to make, with exception—that they should havo facilities for drawing on their deposits when taking furlough in London. I said that I had made full representations ou tho matter to the Government, and hoped- difficulties in that respcct would be solved. "At the front".'and :oh the ..way, .there is intense activity and concentration, armed men marching to tho field a battle, artillery and motor-wagons, all making their way to the scene of conflict, and all is 'well conducted and crfpably carried out. In marked and pathetic contrast to all this bustle and 'circumstance of war' are the 1 quiet cemeteries, where rest the warriors from their well-fought fight. Shrines are being erected in many parts . or England to commemorate thoso who have given their lives and who are fighting in this great war. As a rule they are not associated with any particular church, but are put lip m villages and parts of <iities. . "A great deal of time I devoted to visiting the hospitals, and I must say that wherever I went tho medical men, sisters, and others were doing everything possible to ease the suffering ot our lads. The men themselves were bri«ht and contented, facing their injures with a stoicism that one could not but admire. This visitation or liospitals was a pretty arduous undertaking, inasmuch as the men were scattered throughout many institutions and over a large area. Frequently hut one New Zealand lad would be in a ward, but a bright smile was sufficient reward for any little trouble taken. 1 made many unexpected discoveries ot the sons of dear and respected old friends, and we recalled old incidents. I think we must have visited twentyfive different hospitals altogether. "To the padres I must give a word of praise for their devotion to tho men. At Boulogne I met Mrs. Nprthcot?, a New Zealander, who devotes every spare moment of her time to visiting sick and wounded, and her services are greatly appreciated. Altogether the visit to our men was to me a great delight, for it gave me an idea of tto conditions under which they live, and suggested to me additional comtorts and attention to supplement the .present good efforts of those in France. • I.his matter I purpose representing to tlio War Contingent Association, of which I am chairman."