HUN TRIBUTE TO OUR MEN.

Taihape Daily Times, 14 April 1919, Page 3

HUN TRIBUTE TO OUR MEN.

“WE HAVE NO CAUSE TO

GRUMBLE,

NEW ZEALANDERS TAKEN FOR COWBOYS.

Much has been published in the German Press with regard to Entente troops, but —and no better testimony could be borne to the behaviour of our soldiers—hitherto hardly any mention has been made of British ' troops Among the latest German papers to hand, the “Hamhurgischer Correspondent’’ contains an article on this subject from which these extracts are taken;

“There was great excitement in Cologne as to what troops wore coming. The idea of a Belgian occupation was the most unpopular for in that case reprisals were expected. Neither did the idea of French troops commend itself. Americans were the popular favourites.

“In the end it turned out to be Englishmen, and we have no cause to grumble, although the enemy is always an unwelcome guest, There is no more noise and excitement; the burglar no longer follows his “noble” calling, the Workmen and Soldiers’ Council has been abolished; and avo get on quite well without it.

“It must be admitted that the English soldiers made an excellent impression with their good and often splendid physique, faultless uniforms, and magnificent equipment. Grenadier Guards Scots Guards, Royal Horse Artillery, and New Zealand Rifles —among them figures that even our German Guards cannot match and, curiously enough, occasionally Low-Saxon and Westphalian types of face. The Scottish troops, of course, in their kilts, are very conspicuous figures, as are also

'the New Zealanders, who were at first taken for cowboys. “Strict discipline prevails among the English troops, who might well serve as a pattern to us. The English j Governor at once took matters in hand and organised a police force from among his men. It must be admitted that they did their work well. “With all the assurance of a Charing Cross policeman, and without the least noise and excitement, they controlled the traffic. The Englishman Is a horn coloniser; he adapts himself readily to circumstances and. slowly but surely, imprints his stamp bn all he touches, . . s “At noon the non-commissioner' ccrs lunch at the Monopole Cafe, with hungry German spectators watching them. The Officers are quartered on some of the best houses in the town and with not unmixed sorrow do we bear that many a profiteer is cooped up in two rooms while the rest oT his villa is occupied by the foe “In some houses officers’ messes have been established, and meals seem to be going on all day long. The shop windows display the legend 'English Spoken.’ And our guests are | free-handed; they have money and are keen on enjoying themselves. But they have no intention of squandering it.

“Generally speaking, the .behaviour 'of the English troops is excellent; and it is to be hoped that wo shall become used to one another and that there will be no friction. Nevertheless, we shall be glad for the day to come for the English milord to take his leave on route for home.”