BEST POSSIBLE

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 102, 2 May 1941, Page 8

BEST POSSIBLE

ARMY FOOD

TROOPS OVERSEAS

(P.A.)

HAMILTON, This Day,

"When it comes to the provision of food the way the New Zealanders in Egypt are treated makes them the envy of all other troops,1' said LieutenantColonel C. J. Pierce, M.C.E.D., officer commanding Divisional Cavalo, who has returned to New Zealand on sick leave and who is convalescing at Hamilton. Lieutenant-Colonel Pierce, who was formerly a well-known farmer in the Ohaupo district, left New Zealand with the First Echelon. Today he paid a tribute to the work oi the patriotic committees in New i Zealand for what they were doing in providing food and comforts for the men overseas, and he said that their activities were greatly appreciated by the men on active service. "The food our men are getting is excellent, and Major-General Freyberg sees to it that they are fed well, and get the best quality it is possible to ! provide," said Lieutenant-Colonel Pierce. "This time there is no sug- ! gestion that the men are living on j bully beef and biscuits. Of course, when they are actually in the field such rations may have to be served up to them, but as a rule those periods | are of only short duration. Egypt is j a land where vegetables are plentiful - and cheap, and our troops get a great supply of them. To give an indication,; Iwe have our regimental funds for the provision of any extras we may need, but I never once had a chance or an occasion of fully expending the money I had in hand.

"At the base camps New Zealanders even have butter from their homeland served to them, and it is greatly appreciated. Major-General , Freyberg looks I>n every meal for every man as a social event and is absolutely, insistent that the men should be given the best possible conditions under which to eat and the best possible food that can be secured," said Lieu-tenant-Colonel Pierce. "In this direction he even made me obtain glass pepper and salt shakers for the men's tables. The meals are not fancy but they are clean, and wholesome and of excellent quality.".,