THE N.Z.E.F.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue 41, 18 February 1943, Page 4

THE N.Z.E.F.

May I draw attention to the remarks passed by Mr. Churchill in referring to New Zealand's division in the Middle East. These men have given up everything and suffered three years of segregation amid desolate and burning sand, heat and flies, with no social amenities such as we know here, and also when considered in the light of army rations in New Zealand, extreme frugality. They do not complain, they know they are doing a big job of work for New Zealand's safety. I go so far as to say that their work in Libya has been many times more valuable than if they had been transferred to, say, New Guinea at a critical period. 1 trust that New Zealand will be not only proud of these men, as no doubt we are, but that they will receive just treatment when they return. We in this country can at least try to be worthy of our gallant men overseas, and keep those things they are fighting for—the safety of our people and the respect of our womenfolk—before us as a duty to ourselves and the men who are giving their lives to protect us. GRATEFUL NEW ZEALANDER.