NEW ZEALAND DIVISION.

Taihape Daily Times, 25 February 1919, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND DIVISION.

STEADY DEMOBILISATION. ONLY 60u0 VOW IN GERMANY. ..! THE CAPTURE OF LE QUESNOY. LEVERKUSEN, February 19. ' The Duke 'of Connaught, aeknow lodging the presentation of & Mosaic aeroplane photograph of Le Quesnoy from the Rifle Brigade, says ,that it will remain a valuable; memento to him of one of the most thrilling and admirable actions carried out so successfully by the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. The capture of that fortified town is, he thinks, unique in the many captures made by our troops in the great war. He adds that New Zealand troops, especially the. Rifle rigiade, have borne a noble share in all the girting that Culminated ;feo gloriously last November in the defeat of the strongest military" power the world has ever seen. The demobilisation of othe New Zealand Division from Germany is proceeding steadily land satisfactorily. There are now only some 0000 troops in the division. Extra, ships secured in England enabled the authorities to get away large drafts from the camps. Recent strikes have somewhat interfered with the demobilisation, with the. result that extra camp space has been provided as a temporary measure.—(Special from the New Zealand War Correspondent.)

STRANDED IN LONDON.

MANY SOUTH AFRICANS

CAPETOWN, Febuary. 4

In the Union House of Assembly to-night Sir Thomas Smartt, Leader of the Opposition, moved the adjournment of the debate to discuss the distress among the South Africans in England who were awaiting their return to the Union. Sir Thomas Smartt, while expressing his gratitude in London, urged that the Government, should takeover the responsibility. Sir Thomas Watt, Minister for the Interior, explained the system of priority Avhich had existed for . the past two pears, and stated that 3900 South Africans were at present in London awaiting a passage to their homes. The Government was doing everything possible to expedite their depatrure. Other Unionist speakers urged that the Government secure the release of Poutli African steamers. Mr Jiagger complaining that Souath African mail §jji steamers were conveying troops to Australia, while South Africans were waiting in London. Mr Malan, Acting Prime Minister, replied that the Government was pressing for the return of pasenger vessels.