OUR MINISTER’S VISIT TO THE FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 September 1918, Page 6

OUR MINISTER’S VISIT TO THE FRONT.

“CHEERS” FOR BILL AND JOE. A letter just received in Taihape from the New Zealanders’ front in France mentions the visit they had from Mr. W. F. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward. “Well, the great Massey and "Ward visited us some days ago, and we had to turn cut in full forcer, much to most of the drivers’ disgust, for they do not like dirtying their harness for the sake of such useless inspections; but after a lot of unparliamentary language and talk we landed at the place of inspection. Then up came Bill and Joe; they only had 1 five cars altogether. After having a look they talked a lot of eye-wash, which went in one ear and out the other. When they had finished and were leaving, someone called for, cheers, and, I might tell you it was a very poor cheer indeed, only about five chaps cheered—one could hardly hear it; but I suppose papers in England and New Zealand will give a great account of the rousing cheers the troops gave them.” i The writer of the above was a sure enough prophet, as a few days later the following account of the incident appeared in a leading London paper; NEW ZEALAND SHOUTS. The troops of New Zealand have as ] direct a way of expressing a welcome J as those of Australia. All their Prime Ministers have been known by affectionate diminutives, “Tom,” and “Dick,” and “Harry” being the

names by which Sir Thomas Mackenzie, Sir Richard Seddon, and Mr. Atkinson were popularly greeted. Preserving the tradition .the troops burst into joyous shouts of “Hello, Bill,’ ’and cheer-ob, Joe,” as Mr. Massey, the Prime Minister of the Dominion, and Sir Joseph Ward, tae Minister of Finance and former Prime Minister, appeared before their ranks. The shouts of “Kiora” were louder than -the distant guns, Mr. Massey says: “I think that when the next ‘big show’ comes on, be it sooner or later, the Allied Forces wil be able to give a very good account of themselves. I feel more confident than I have felt for the last two months.”