ANZACS IN THE WEST.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 8, Issue 113, 15 May 1916, Page 2

ANZACS IN THE WEST.

UNDERGOING A CHANGE.

HAPPY ON FURLOUGH

CHEERFUL IN THE TRENCH

LONDON, May 11

The Anzac equipment is likely to undergo a change. The "smasher"' tunic has disappeared, and some are already receiving "Tommy" clothes. Gumboots are greatly appreciated, not only owing to the Flanders mud, but also because they are useful to cook dinners in! It would be difficult to improve on the high spirits of the men on furlough, and it is evidently their intention to make the best of their stay in London. Their reception preparations have been improved. Charabrancs are provided to drive them to their sleeping quarters, instead of expensive taxi cab's. Several hundred theatre tickets are being distributed daily. The Anzac Buffet Enquiry Bureau gives advice as to conditions and lodgings in all cities of England.

NEW ZEALANDERS IN IMPORTANT POSITION.

READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY

LONDON, May 12

The New Zealanders were the- last arrivals in France. They entered the front trenches at an important point of the British line a few days ago. They are well supported by artillery. There have been only minor bouts with the Germans. It is expected as they are new to this type of fighting, they will be favoured by some special German "frightfulness," but they are prepared for any emergency.

A New Zealander who is on furlough said: 'We are all right. If you hear that the Germans have captured a blank town you will know all the New Zealanders; have been made prisoners."

THE .ANZAC AS A FIGHTER

LONDON, May 11. The "Evening Standard" publishes

n article en "The Anzac As a Fight3i\ Hew Will He Fare in France?" ft stresses the facts that the Turks "pqred tha Anzacs more than other soldiers, because of their dogged determination, backed by a cool, clear brain. The Britishers fight because their King and country called them. The Australasians fight in a different ■spirit, with a grim relentless ferccitp, ever thinking of their dead comDauions.' The article endorses the suggestion for the formation of an Anr;ac Army under General Birdwood, which it describes as "a happy idea which would fire Australia and New Zealand with the utmost enthusiasm."

GOOD WORK BY ANZAC ARTIL LERY.

LONDC-X May 11

Another batch of Anzacs has arri ved in London, cheery .optimistic and self-ccnfident. It is noteworthy that they all agree that they are happilyconditioned in Flanders. The Flemings are kindly, but rapacious. The conditions are infinitely better than in Gallipoli, and they have excellent food good soft bread and stews daily. Their trench equipment includes thigh bcots and helmets. Many carry tri lingual dictionaries and hope to use the German tongue later. The men declare that their machine guns recently caught a German detachment on an cpen road. The airmen have reported that the Australasian shooting is excellent, and it is believed their artillery was effective during an attack. The Anzacs are specially interested in the British antiaircraft shooting. They state that one of the gunners repulsed scores of German machines. Several Anzac units were east of the Suez Canal awaiting the Turks when the order came for them to go to France. —(Times and Sydney Sun Services).