Australia.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 28, 3 February 1915, Page 5

Australia.

WELL-BEHAVED AUSTRALIANS. United Press Association. Melbourne, February 2. Major MeClymont, of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, who has returned by steamer from Egypt, said that ho had read the accounts of alleged bad behaviour of Australians in Egypt, and could only say that he saw nothing to justify/the report. Considering they were untrained men, their behaviour was excellent, but in a large force they must expect a few to kick over the traces.

ENTHUSIASM IN NEW ZEALAND(Received 9.0 a.m.) Sydney, February 3. The Hon. Mr Hall, in an interview after his visit, said that in proportion to the population more young men were volunteering in New Zealand for active service than in Australia. There was not only more recruits but more enthusiasm in the Dominion. Mr Hall described the Maori contingent as a splendid body of men, who wouin be sure to give a good account of themselves. AUSTRALIA’S SECOND CONTIN- * CENT. ARRIVAL IN EXCELLENT CONDITION.

TURKISH , DESERTERS TELL TALES. Sydney, February 3. The Australian correspondent, Mr Bean, cables that the second Australian Contingent reached Egypt "i excellent condition, both as regards men and horses. He reports that all iis quiet in the Suez Canal, and that .Turkish deserters are coming in, one of whom stated that his portion of the | force marched from Jerusalem along ithe coastal route to Elarish, and 'thence along the desert road to Mah'kl. The officers wore well fed, but !the men were miserably fed. Another [deserter, who had his hand cut off, 'explained that a German officer ordered him to cut the telephone, and Vi.pn be protested that the wire was ton ’high, the officer drew his sworn and hewed off his hand. The prisoners condition is absolutely ragged. 1 *