THE LINES IN FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 October 1915, Page 7

THE LINES IN FRANCE.

VISIT BY NEW ZEALAND OFFICERS. Auckland. October 21. ''] am just resting here after an interesting and eventful time in France," writes Major MeCarroll from a hotel in Exeter, under date August 23. "The War Office sent three of us New Zealanders, Colonel Chaytor, Colonel Plugge and myself over there to see and study the latest in Hun stopping. Headquarters gave us a splendid time, and arrangements worked splendidly. A very line ear was placed at our disposal, and one day we travelled over 220 miles. It did not take long, as the roads are kept clear for headquarters. This part, near Ypres, is quite as unhealthy as Oallipoli in the matter of shot and shell. Other parts of the line are very quiet, We saw the whole line. This is more than a great number in France have done. Officers there, of course, only know about their own part. lam not a prophet, but I think the Germans will never get through the lines made for them. It is inconceivable the miles of trundles and barbed wire that have been constructed. Then We have to count that Mr, German is doing the same. 'The spirit of our men is splendid. The transport arrangements are excellent. It is possible for a man to leave London in the morning, get to the front, be wounded, and be back in London the same night. Thousands of motor lorries and motor-cars carry stores, ammunition and wounded. The outstanding features from what I saw are the pluck and go of the men, the arrangements for the transport of food and the medical arrangements. A sick man is a rare bird, and a wounded man is only seen on the move and in the hospitals. I saw lots of other things while there, but as yet they are confidential. "People here are very proud of New Zealand, and our men have a great time in consequence. Our regiment has suffered badly. At the time of writing there are only two officers who have not been casualties, and the men have been raked dreadfully. It is impossible for an officer to avoid geting hit if he is doing the right thing, but of course some have wonderful luck. Poor Stuckey is done for, and Dawson is here shot through the lung, but is improving."