ANZACS' CHRISTMAS.

Taranaki Daily News, 5 January 1918, Page 7

ANZACS' CHRISTMAS.

HAITII:,:-'i' OK T[Hi WAR. Condon, Dec. 20. ''The hanpics! (.'lnv-lmas of (lie war" i,; tile verdict of Australasians in Britain. There arc thousands scattered over the country, and rhey have been overwhelmed with liospitalitv to-dav. The weather ha-i been delightful, warn sunshine v'mini-cent of home. Private inventions wiTejuost numerous all over the kingdom, anil ihere no reason for ail Au-jfralian being lonely in Condon "o-day. The Ahhvyeh Theatre, the War Chest, and the Aiizac Clubs competed to outdo the previous efi'oils. They supplied dinner for I'.uoo and provided concerts, dance-, and tours. Their buildings were decorated with gums, wattles, and other home touches, and Australian artists entertained the men. It was dilficult to hclieve that such scenes of merrymaking .were possible under exi ting conditions. Christmas trees were surrounded, and gifts were accepted with childlike pleapure.

The Rfid Cross carried out 1 lie hospital ,'irralinements splendidly, and so far as is known not one single patient was neglected. °

Training camps were en fete. The arrangements in France were most satisfactory. The Comforts Fujid contributed greatly, and the presents reached the units despite the difficulties. 1

iTie Australian Y.M.C'.A. kept open house in the front-line shacks, and in their huts and clubs. Every soldier, sailor, and nurse was given a leather wallet, of which 300.000 were purchased, costing .C 15,000. Thirty motor lorries were engaged in the distributing work in France. The, troops shared in the British canteens and in the. distribution of puddings. A feature of the celebrations was the warm co-operation of the British High Command conforming to the new policy of catering and recreation, "torn which much is expected.

The fourth Christmas was the happiest of the war. The entertainments in London will extend over a week.