PATUMAHOE

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 5, Issue 214, 3 October 1916, Page 4

PATUMAHOE

IN FRANCE WITH THE TROOPS.

An interesting letter has been received by Mr Joseph Henry from his nephew, Private E. W. Waters, who is serving with the troops in France. Private Waters states: ' 1 The shell fire never ceases ; in fact our lives are in jeopardy all the time, and sometimes when a shell explodes m close proximity to us we fpel for the time being that all is up. There is one feature, however, that is pleasant, viz., the climate. It is appreciably agreeable after the trying time we spent in Egypt. Ever since our arrival line weather has prevailed. It is even better than our own New Zealand climate. Taking it on the whole France is a 1 jvely country. I had a good opportunity of seeing it when passing on our way to the front by train, the journey occupying 59 houis. It was spring-time then and the farms had a beautiful appearance. The food served in the trenches is good, and considerably more palatable

than that provided on Gallipoli. We have had to rough it at times and witness things we would prefer not t<>, but there is comfort in knowing that we are now on top. Mr C. J. Parr, M.P. (Auckland), has paid the boys a visit in the trenches. He looked quite ' a nut' with his steel helmet on and carrying a gas helmet. It is astounding to see the way the girls worked the farms. Not in the whole journey to the front did I see one young man—only women and old men. The French people think a lot of the Anzac9 and consider we are wonders in coming from the other side of the world, especially when our own country lias not been touched."