THE ANZACS.

Taranaki Daily News, 14 November 1916, Page 8

THE ANZACS.

INSPECTED BY MINISTERS. VISIT OF MR. MASSEY AND Slit JOSEPH WARD. November 3. Captain Malcolm Ross, oificial correspondent with the Xew Zealand forces, writes under date November 3rd: — Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward continued their tour along the Western front via Betlnme p and Arras to the Somme. They visited captured German trenches and dug-outs at I.a Boiselle, where there had been bitter fighting, and subsequently lunched with General Sir Douglas Haig, who gave thorn a cordial welcome. One of our largest aerodromes was inspected, and the Premier went for a flight in a biplane.

During their brief stay in Paris the Ministers called upon President Poincare, the Foreign Minister, and the War Minister.

Asked for a message to New Zealand Mr. Massey expressed, delight, at seeing so many New Zealand troops at the front, and the cheerful confidence with which they were imbued. Though it would be impossible during the winter to avoid some discomfort and hardship, nothing that could be accomplished in their interests was being left undone. Everywhere he heard nothing but praise of their work, especially on the Somme. It was particularly "ratifying to him to witness the presentation on the field of decorations for bravery and distinguished services. The highest authorities had told him that the New Zealanders as a fighting force were second to none. Although there were undoubted signs of demoralisation in the German infantry, it seemed likely. that the' Avar would continue for a considerable time. The only way to make success ceitain, and prevent the war dragging on for years, was for every part of the Empire to keep up the full strength of the reinforcements. Though there was universal sorrow for the relatives of the fallen, the progress already, made, ir. which the New Zealanders had played their part, was seme consolation, for the sacrifices had not been endured in vain.

Sir Joseph Ward said he was greatly impressed with his visit to the. front, and it was his privilege to gather from personal observation some idea of the ; gigartie work undertaken by the British armies in the field. His visit to the Somme made him man-el more than ever at the wonderful accomplishment of out troops in face of the tremendous obstacles created by the enemy during «, period of two years. From conversations with high authorities, he felt satisfied that it was only a question of time when the British and French troops would work right through the enemy lines. His visit to the Soinme had specially im-. pressed him with the fortitude anit cheerfulness of our splendid rotdiers. He was delighted to find the New Zealanders in such good heart, so well equipped, and so well cared for generally. The gigantic nature of the undertaking was fully exemplified by the enormous traffic and wonderful organisation behind the lines as well as at the front.