TROOPS’ WELCOME

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 185, 20 May 1941, Page 3

TROOPS’ WELCOME

MR PETER FRASER IN EGYPT.

HOSPITALS AND CLUBS VISITED.'

IN.Z.E.F. Official News Service). CAIRO, May 19

Making it his first concern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand (tho Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) has been very busily engaged since his arrival in Egypt, visiting patients in New Zealand hospitals, and speaking to them. Many of those lie saw wore wounded in Greece, and for these lie had a special word. His programme at the hospitals of the N.Z.E.F, lias been strenuous; but this has not altered his intention of seeing and speaking to ns many as jiossible who are ill or wounded.

During an interval at one hospital Mr Fraser'said lie wished to take the opportunity to thank tho medical and nursing staffs of the N.Z.E.F. for 'the very fine work they were doing for the New Zealand troops in the Middle East. They were providing a very real and tangible link with home.

Mr Fraser has been a very welcome sight to the men of the New Zealand Forces, who have been quick to react to the presence of their visitor. Some were able to tell him of men lie knew. Others wore able to give him messages to pass on to people at home. Mr Fraser also called on tho Egyptian Premier, Mussein Cirry Pasha, who, in return, called on Mr Fraser at the British Embassy. Cordial messages of goodwill were exchanged with the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, which has been open for some time now, and last evening Mr Fraser saw for himself the tery fine facilities available to soldiers when on leave in the city. He had dinner at the club, and was struck by the enthusiastic way in which the hoys were enjoying themselves while he was there. For their part, they gave Mr Fraser a really rousing welcome, and wherever he went during an inspection of the premises, tlie was met by smiling faces. Mr Fraser saw the new accommodation which had just been added to the club, expressing his delight at _ the amenities provided through the National Patriotic Fund.

A further call is being made by Mr Fraser to-day on patients in hospital. He spent this morning at a large New Zealand camp, seeing the troops who had returned to this country from Greece. He had lunch at the camp, and this afternoon is to visit the Kiwi Club, which was established some months ago largely through tlie energetic leadership of Lady Lampson. The principal object of the club is to provide recreational facilities for soldiers convalescing in hospital. It has succeeded admirably and is a firm favourite with men stationed in the vicinity, and is a notable example of the fine work being done by voluntary helpers for New Zealand troops everywhere.