HONESTY OF TROOPS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 283, 24 August 1940, Page 10

HONESTY OF TROOPS

Reputation Earned By New Zealanders In Egypt

A high tribute to the honesty of New Zealand soldiers in the Middle East is paid in a report of Y.M.C.A. work on behalf of the National Patriotic Fund Board in what is described as the “forward area” in Egypt.

“During the first nine days in this forward area,” states the report, “the troops were without pay, and, though credit for goods was given to tho extent of some £450 and no names or amounts recorded, it will stand as an everlasting memorial to the honesty and appreciation of New Zealand soldiers that all. and more, of this money was repaid on the first pay. “A recognition that the soldiers were not only in a ‘danger’ area, but also in a particularly dirty ami trying area was made in reducing the prices of essential comforts below cost. The men were told that the National Patriotic Fund Board was making up the difference and it is safe to record that their appreciation was unbounded. “Where men went up to the frontier for duty an immediate issue was made of one packet of cigarettes, one stick of chocolate, and one packet of chewing gum a man. To the casual observer this does not represent very much, but to those of us who know the numbers concerned this will represent a. very considerable amount in money.”