WELCOME AND ADMIRED

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 119, 22 May 1941, Page 11

WELCOME AND ADMIRED

TROOPS IN EGYPT

A CAIRO APRECIATION

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.)

CAIRO, May 24,

The following leader appeared in N the "Egyptian Gazette" qn May 19: "In a homely talk to the local Press last night, Mr. Peter Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand, at present on a short visit to his countrymen serving here, expressed gratitude on behalf of the Dominion Government and people for the warm welcome given, both officially and unofficially, by everyone ■ vto the New Zealand forces in Egypt. He "mentioned in particular the various clubs and recreational centres, and said how gratified he was to find a genuine attempt to make the boys feel at home. We on our part would like to return the compliment and say the pleasure is lours. We have not forgotten that "the "New 'Zealanders we're the first Dominion troops to arrive in this country after the war started. It seems a long time since that February day when Mr. Eden and a small party of journalists went down to welcome them, and the distinctive New Zealand Army hat has long since ceased to be a novelty in Egypt.

"However, this is not one of those occasioiis when familiarity breeds contempt, but rather growing appreciation of the sterling qualities of the men from down under. With those at home in New Zealand we here rejoice at their brilliant action in Greece, and still more at their safe return. When Mr. Fraser said that New Zealanders were modest he was right. They are shining examples of democratic government at its best, and if all the world was like New Zealand it would be a happier place. Mr.'Fraser can rest assured that we in Egypt will always do our best to make his countrymen feel at home, and the more that can come the better."

Mr. Fraser paid an official visit to the Maadi tent. For over a year-this organisation, subscribed to and staffed by residents of Maadi, have been providing recreational facilities for New Zealand and British troops.

In reply to a speech of welcome by Mr. Crawford, chairman of the tent, Mr. Fraser stated that the people of New Zealand had heard of the good work being done by the Maadi residents. He considered it a privilege to make the visit, and on "behalf of the people of New Zealand he expressed appreciation and heartfelt thanks that their boys were being treated well in Egypt. Everywhere he found the same unbounded hospitality. He was impressed with the kindness of those Egyptian people who were making it their business to look after the New Zealand boys.

Mr. Fraser spent some time wandering amongst the tables chatting with small groups of men. He told them news from home and listened with great interest to their tales of Greece.