NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 1557, 30 May 1916, Page 4

NEW ZEALANDERS IN FRANCE.

VERY FEW CASUALTIES. MAORIS IN ATHLETIC CONTEST. (Special from (lie Official New Zealand Wtir Correspondent.) The New Zealanders are now in the front line, where they relieved British I roops. The men were keen to gel into the firing line, anti tire enjoying their new experience. Up to the present there have been very few casualties on unr side, and the New Zealanders already have accounted for several German snipers. Soon afler wo entered (he (reriches the enemy fired forty-three shells into one section, and though the trench was much battered, none of our men were hit. At one spot the trenches are so close together that we can hear tire Germans talking and singing. One afternoon we were interested spectators at close range ot some intensive shelling with German (i-inch high explosive. Great clouds of dirt and smoke rose in the air. One farmhouse was shattered and another \vas burning. The enemy was apparently searching for some of our batteries.

Our men are almost- daily witnesses of air combats and heavy shelling of the aeroplanes from both sides, the spectacular effect of which is thrillingly interesting. The magnificent dash and bravery of our Elying Corps have already earned the admiration of the New Zealanders. A noticeable feature of the campaign here, as compared with Gallipoli, is the keenness in observation by many captive balloons and planes all along the line, making the concealment of moving troops and gun emplacements all important. What will probably he the greatest sporting athletic contest in this war took place to-day, when three teams of axemen from the Canadian and Australian battalions respectively, and one from the Maori Contingent, met in friendly rivalry in a forest. The competition was the contest in which the Maoris defeated a team of "French woodmen. In to-day’s trial the Maoris easily out-distanced the other teams, three men felling three trees in 22min.' 40scc., against the best Australian (cam’s 30miji. Bsee., and (lie best Canadian (cam’s 45min. 22.5e,e. The Maori’s victory was heartily cheered. The log-chopping competition was won by jth.e Australians, another New Zealand team lieipg second. Thu Maoris did not compete. In the sawing contest (he Canadians were first, and the Maoris second. It was almost a dead-beat. A Maori won the prize for the best axemanship, a Canadian being second. Several Generals, officers, soldiers, and British war correspondents were present, also an official cinematographer. An Anzae general, in presenting the, prizes, cordially welcomed the Canadians amongst us.