NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE

Hokitika Guardian, 8 February 1918, Page 1

NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE

•*****•- ITEMS FROM THE FRONT

WELLINGTON February 5

The following message dated February Ist has been received from the New Zealand official war correspondent, Air Malcolm Ross:—

“Our sector remains quiet, and there is little to report. ‘Snipers claim two hits,’ which frequently appears in the daily report, indicates the normal state of infantry activity in the Front lineThere is, in addition, the usual patrol work, machine-gun and trench-mortar fire. Field and heavy artillery*fire remain normal.

“In some sectors the enemy has been showing a disposition to fraternise, hut he gets little encouragement. Two Germans who walked along their parapet unarmed were fired upon, and one was hit. A dog made its way into out lines with a German message tied round his neck : “Best wishes from your com panions in misfortune. What is the position as regards peace?” “The company strength of the' enemy opposite our sector is said to he weak, but we hear reports of new divisions coming westward from the Russian front’. Also the artillery and enemy ’planes are, les s active than formerly, and there i ! s little bombing in or 'back area.

“Clear frosty weather has been followed by a thick ground fog. '“The men are employed in preparing the ground for the cultivation of vegetables on a large scale. The vegetables produced will be purchased by the Army, the proceeds being devoted to paying the rent of the land and the cost of the plants and seeds, afid to building up a credit in the Army Agri-~ cultural Fund. “Liberal leave to.the United Kingdom Paris, and Southern France is being granted. 1 .

“Military Medals have been awarded to Lance-Corporal W. G. Bowers, Sergeant W. B. Bowles, Rifleman W. R. Malinin of the Rifle Brigade, and Corporal C. Gleeson, of the Engineers.”