PALESTINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 October 1918, Page 5

PALESTINE.

EXTRAORDINARY DEMONSTRAi •DOSS.. TROOPS. XDRKLSH MSGOVERNMENT ENDED. Received Oct 15, 7.45 pjn. London, Oct. 14. Writing from Beirut on October 9, MrMassev describes the extraordinary demonstrations of welcome accorded to the troops during the advance up the coast. All casts and creeds united and acclaimed the British and Indian infantry as the deliverers of the land from the oppression of centuries. The ancient Acre of Tyre threw off its customary calm, but not till Saida (the Sidon of old) was reached did the population show its real feeing. When the Yeomanry approacaed. the people rushed to tear down palm leaves, build triumphal arches, and decorate their houses. They cheered deliriouslv Other towns were etraallv enthusiastic At Beirut, the people threw flowers sprayed with perfumes wherever British uniforms were seen, and thr crowds surronnded and shouted the British 'Hurrah!'' clapping their hands. British prestige never stood higher. The exemplary behaviour of our splendid troops everywhere is the subject of comment. The infantry, in =even days. marched a hundred miles, converting the tracks into road«, this splendid achievement enabling the passage of the heavy and neld suns. When Damascus was raptured the Turks wired to evacuate Beirut. The military governor thereuDon retired, and ieft the government in the hands of the "resident- of the mnnicmalitr.' When the Germans left they placed machinepuno round the station to prevent the Turks from boarding their trains. The town was found in good order. Writing from Baalbek nnthe Uh, Mr. Ma'sev say?-.—Our march over the mountains nf Lebanon everywhere disclosed evidences of fl>e reople's relief. Our advance Ims put an »nd to Turkish misgovemment Kreryivhere over a fortr-miles' Toad fhev were accorded a heartfelt welcome. Our ccmins wrought a wondrous change in the condition and content of the population On entering Baalbek. General Allenbv was officially received hv the Mayor with much rejoicing. The band, with half a dozen oM instruments? plared *-God Save the King." A nartv of girls sang en ode of welcome. At Bayak, a few miles south of Paalhek. was a scene of mat destruction. The Germans burned the aerwh-omr? and rermir shops. The debris of thirty aeroplanes was visible. The railwnv establishments s.nd engine shops were destroyed.—Aus.-N Z. Cable Assoc.