FIRST ECHELON

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 February 1940, Page 7

FIRST ECHELON

ARRIVAL IN EGYPT MR. FRASER’S ANNOUNCEMENT <■ - MEN HAPPY AND HEALTHY

[PEB PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

WELLINGTON, February 12. The safe arrival in Egypt of the Ist of the. New Zealand Expeditionary Force was announced to-night by the Deputy-Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser). “On behalf of the Prime Minister and the Government, it gives me great' pleasure to announce that the Ist Echelon of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force had disembarked safely in Egypt,” said Mr. Fraser. “The British Navy has again demonstrated its protective stregnth in safely convoying troops from the outposts of, the British Commonwealth of Na-' tions. It has done so in this instance! just as efficiently as it guarded the) transport of the British Expeditionary j Force across the English Channel to; France. It is a. great source of grat-i ification and thankfulness to us all that our men arrived safely and. we are informed, in good health and ex-, cellent spirits.

“They have gone overseas with the high purpose of serving personally in the struggle for democracy and civilisation. They have literally, along with so many brave men from the United Kingdom and other British Dominions, and in co-operation with our gallant French allies, entered the lists against forces which if triumphant, would overthrow everything the people of New Zealand hold dear in our political, social, economic, moral.

and spiritual life, and which would reduce our country to the position of a vassal State and our people to a condition of hopeless servitude. These gallant pioneers who have answered the call—a call inseparable from our nationhood —excited admiration when they marched through our cities on the eve of their departure. They are typical New Zealanders, mostly by birth, some by adoption, and they have decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the fighting men of every nation which is prepared to take a stand for international freedom, because they hate .bondage.

COMFORTS ON VOYAGE “The people of the Dominion will be glad to know that our soldiers travelled in ships of the best class. Having had an opportunity of inspecting them personally along with the Minister for Defence, I can vouch for that. fact. Every possible provision was made for their comfort and wellbeing, and they were generally provided for in a manner fit for men who are ready to perform the most immediate anil by far the most important service possible on this nation’s behalf.

■“The naval escort was not only adequate but was most imposing. So m!any, people were responsible tor ■the organisation necessary to successfully complete the embarkation of the New Zealand soldiers that I could not even attempt to thank them individually. The community effort involved the service of many, including all ■those engaged in transport and workers on the waterfront and elsewhere. “In this connection there were some fine performances. The expeditions dispatch of a transport from Lyttelton necessitating all-night work on ■the part of many men was 1 an outstanding. example. “Comforts for the troops in great variety and in substantial quantity were placed on all ships by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and the gen-erous-hearted citizens who made these gifts possible deserve our thanks. On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I most sincerely thank all who assisted.

PUBLICITY IN WAR-TIME

“This is a fitting opportunity to say a word on the subject of publicity in | New Zealand as it effects the war and. specially our own war effort. Every- ( body encounters rumours, sometimes - of a most disturbing character, bitt generally merely mischeviou.s. It is ( unfortunate that there appears to be ■ no means of preventing the spread of ■ these, but I earnestly counsel every-• one to cultivate a habit of mind which j will discourage their circulation. j “The Director of Publicity has sug-j gested that I should in a few words' make plain the Government’s attitude on the general question of publicity.; It is not only our desire, but our set| purpose to give the people of the Dominion the maximum information consistent with the fullest regard for the safety of our troops and ships. For instance, every informed person in the community knew the troops had departed overseas, but it was our responsibility to prevent the publication of anything in any form which would be calculated to help the enemy locate their position or estimate the strength of the ships of war which formed part of the convoy. It is our responsibility to protect our men in every possible way and therefore we adopt every conceivable precaution. The people of our country. must remember that we are at grips with an enemy in Nazi Germany which is as crafty in Warfare as it is cruel and unscrupu-

lous in the pursuit of its international ambition.

“The task ahead is as stupendous as it is necessary that the people .of New Zealand will prove equal to it. I have no doubt, neither have I any misgivings, regarding their determination to make any necessary sacrifice to secure the triumph of that international righteousness on which the only lasting and honourable peace can be. based.” WAR OFFICE ANNOUNCEMENT GENERAL FREYBERG’S SPEECH LONDON, February 12. The War Office announces that the Australian Imperial Force and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force have begun to arrive in the Middle East. They are proceeding io their specified areas. The Second Australian Imperial Force is under the command of Lieu-tenant-General ' Sir Thomas Blarney, C. 8., C.M.G., D. 5.0., and the New Zealand Force is commanded by Major-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C., C.M.G., D.S.O. The health of the troops is excellent, and they are in high spirits. The New Zealanders landed first The Australians went ashore later.

The first ships to enter port brought the New Zealanders. General Freyburg was the first to go aboard ■ the leading New Zealand transport. He gave a friendly warning to the troops that the camp to which they were gor ing was only partly finished, but he knew, he said, that they would realise that they now .were on active, service. General Freyberg paid a warm tribute to the British troops through whose efforts conditions in the camp bad greatly been improved, and who were preparing hot meals before the arrival of their brothers from the Dominion.

General Freyberg afterwards told a correspondent: “I would wager that the men comprising this force will strive hard to uphold the great reputation of New Zealand’s Expeditionary Force in the last war. From what I have seen, they won’t, strive in vain.”

THE KING’S MESSAGE LONDON, February 12. The King’s message read: “The General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Force: I know well that the splendid tradition of New Zealand will be worthily upheld by you who have left your homes to fight for the cause which the whole Empire has made its own. I send you a warm welcome and the best wishes.’

GREAT ARMADA .* LONDON, February 12. A description from “Somewhere in the Middle-East” of the arrival states. One of the biggest armies which has ever crossed the seas in a single unit arrived here to-day. • It consisted of the Second Australian Imperial Force, and the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. The port was crowded with the grey hulls of liners converted into transports and of escorting British warships, when they dropped anchor, 'after a voyage of 10,000 miles. Masts of the great Armada could be seen swaying as far as the eye 1 could see. The message of greeting from the King was taken aboard the first New Zealand transport to arrive. The fleet’s arrival galvanised the port into intense activity. The troops were massed on the decks of the transports singing „and waving to those ashore. -The “Diggers,” famed for their stoutness, had been sleeping for weeks in the downy bunks and first-class cabins of luxury transport liners. Nevertheless, there was a general feeling of relief among the. men that their long period of inaction was coming to an end. A hefty New Zealander, who was wounded in the Gallipoli campaign, iemarked: “It beats me that we are being paid for this cruise! Now for some training, and we shall be ready for anything —plenty of dirt for the eye of Adolf!”

MODEL CAMP HEALTH AND COMFORT. (Recci. February 13, 10.30 a.m.) SUEZ, February 12.. The New Zealanders disembarked and journeyed to the newly construct township of camouflaged tents and wooden huts. They were played into camp by the bands of two battalions. Nurses from the ships are proceeding- direct to the camp where wards have been assigned. The New Zealand medical staff site has been converted in eight weeks from waste into a small township. The layout involves ,seven miles of tarmac road, a complete sterilised water system, and four miles of drains. There are more than 150 huts, erected by local labour under army supervision. These comprise kitchens, dining-halls and canteens. All ranks sleep under canvas, four to a tent. General Freyberg’s tent is perched on a small knoll in the centre of the camp, commanding an all-round view. The amenities include hot and cold shower-baths, cinema, recreation rooms, wireless, table-tennis, darts and newspapers. Supplies of Scotch, ale and tea await the troops. General Freyberg says that profiting by the experience of the Great Waiv the greatest care is being taken of the health of the troops? Dishes are sterilised daily. Each man receives a few drops of creosol disinfectant for his hands before every meal. Sixteen miles of butter muslin has been ■bought for the protection of food. A swimming bath is being, constructed, also a travel bureau, enabling visits to.historic places at small cost. General Freyberg said it must not be thought the troops are in for an easy time. Strenuous work lies- ahead. The men will be kept in training hard,

and will have time off only at weekends. ' *. ■ MR EDEN’S ARRIVAL. Mr. Eden, who flew from England, brought a message from the King, and read it to New Zealanders assembled on the afterdeck of a luxury liner. Addressing the men on behalf of the British Government, Mr. Eden said: The nation of the Commonwealth are now closely knit in common endeavour. In their unity lies the certainty of final victory, and the assurance of better things to come. By your action in crossing the seas, you are sent as the bravest message it is in your nations’ power to give. For this, and the spirit in which you come, Britain thanks Australia and New Zealand.

The speech was greeted by lusty cheers. , General Freyberg’s words appear to sum up the general opinion among the New Zealanders: “We are determined to see this job through, although we realise it won’t be an easy one, font we are certain of victory.” LATER. With Mr Eden were Sir Miles Lampson, British Ambassador at Cairo Major-Generals Wavell, Freyberg, and Bromley, the Governor of the Suez Canal, and the Military Governor of Suez. They boarded the first transport to arrive. Sir M. Lampson standing on the after-hatch, read the King’s message. Mr Eden, welcoming the troops said: Before leaving London, His Majesty charged me to Repeat his congratulations on the safe journey and his wishes for your welfare. New Zealand and Australia took their place, the moment war was declared, by -the side of the United Kingdom, their sister Dominions and the Allies, in the vital struggle in which we are engaged. It is the simple, clear truth that the Nazi system is based on brute force. It is a denial of civilisation. There will be no free life for the peoples of the world until that system is destroyed. General Freyberg, in reply, gave the Maori greeting, “Haeremai.” He asked Mr Eden to take to His Majesty the keenest appreciation of his message, and to confirm the great loyalty and devotion. General Freyberg expressed the New Zealand Government’s thanks to the Royal Navy for the care of the-troops. He' asked' Mr Eden to give a message to the gallant comrades of the Australian Imperial Force, conveying good wishes, “and say how happy and secure, we feel having them on our flanks.” The Australians landed at Ismalia. Mr Eden boarded one ship, before the disembarkation, and listened while Sir M. Lampson read the King's message.

PRESS INTEREST. LONDON, February 12. Evening papers give prominence on their posters to the Australian and New Zealand troops’ arrival. T.he “Standard” says: The Australians Anzac Army is on the way. Britain has acknowledged New Zealand and Australia’s response to the war drums beating to quarters for the freedom of the world. “Anzacs” is a ward rising bannerlike from every contents bill and from every leader, chronicling the arrival in Egypt. “The Times” says: Not accidentally does military history repeat itself, but because geography is a strategy foundation, the Suez Canal is still the halfway house for the New Zealand and Australian troops, and an admirable place for armies for the Near East reserve. More so because it is linked with a similar great French force in Syria, and because Turkey has resumed her traditional friendship with Britain. The Dominion forces could not be better placed. Their arrival reirtforces our cause morally and materially. “The Times” recalls that Egypt was the training ground for the winners of undying renown at Gallipoli, and declares: These troops will live up to their predecessors’ great fighting reputation. Mr. Savage and Mr. Menzies have clearly defined the issues for which we are fighting. In all the Dominions, public opinion insisted that the great traditions built up at Gallipoli and Flanders must be maintained.

The “Daily Teelgraph,” singling out New Zealand for special compliment with “Haeremai” as the heading, interprets the landing after a prosperous voyage as a demonstration of Imperial unity, Britain’s command of the seas, and the efficiency of the army, navy and mercantile marine. It was approprite when the first New Zealand transport reached Suez, that the Maori greeting.“Haeremai” should be vocfierously raised, suggestign the obvious English interpretation, “Here am 1.” “Three cheers for the Anzacs. The boys are on their way,” exults the “Daily Mail,” paying tribute to the immortality of the name unforgettable here or in Germany. It adds: They come to fight Hitlerism now, as they fought Kaiserism in the last war. The “News-Chronicle” cites the arival as the Dominions’ answer to Germany’s false prophets, who foretold the Empire’s disintegration, “once, more New Zealanders and Australians have taken up war stations, and now await their task, with Turkey no longer a foe, but a friend.” U.S.A. APPRECIATION. (Recd. February 13, 11.30 a.m.) NEW YORK, February 12. The evening papers devoted their front pages to the arrival of the Anzacs, emphasising the fine records of General Freyberg and Lieutenant-

General Blarney, and their familiarity with fighting conditions in, the East. DEATH ON VOYAGE. (Recd. February 13, 11.30 a.m.): •' I SUEZ, February 12. A New Zealander, Bombardier Kerr Taylor, died on the voyage from New Zealand, and was buried at sea, with military honours. All ships flew flags at half-mast. ’ ; An Australian transport, as a token of sympathy, drew alongside the New Zealand transport, in which Taylor made the voyage.

WITH THE AUSTRALIANS cheers 111 round (Recd. February 13, 2.30 p.m.) ISMAILIA, February 12. The Armada, with the second Imperial Force, anchored after lunch in the sand-bounded blue waters of Lake Timsah, off Ismailia, in the Suez Canal. Mr. Eden bore,the Royal message by launch to the convoy. He repeated his remarks to the New Zealanders, and conveyed General Freyberg’s greetings. General Wavell expressed pride at commanding troops of such reputation. He recalled his service under Lord Allenby, when he saw the Australians in action. Brigadier Allen, acting commander of the Australians, expressed thanks on behalf of the men. The troops cheered the news that their safe arrival was being broadcast to Australia, and called for cheers for “Tony” (Mr. Eden). “The men are keen and fit,” said Brigadier Allen. “They worked hard, even in the heat of the tropics. Ten per cent, had fathers in the last War, ten per cent, fought therein. The entire force are volunteers. They did not know their destination, and held sweepstakes thereon until last night. By the light of huge flares, the troops, whose veteran members recalled the well-remembered scene of one of the largest camps in the last war, landed at Mantara, singing and cheering. They entrained for the vast encampment, the site of which is not disclosable.

Mr. Eden went to Cairo, where King Farouk receives him to-day.

“ VOYAGE OF THEIR LIVES” “EXEMPLARY BEHAVIOUR” (Recd. February 13 2.30 p.m.) SUEZ, February 12. “The New Zealanders are spending their first night in Egypt, after a day full of excitement. Several said they had all had the voyage of their lives. The scenes as the armada entered the ports of call beggared description. The police at these ports, paid high tributes to the troops’ exemplary behaviour. The troops assumed complete control at one port, directing traffic, while the populace accorded them a most hysterical welcome'. The police stood by smiling. The troops agreed that the most outstanding feature of the. voyage was extraordinary fraternising between New Zealanders, Australians, and the crew of the French escorting vessel. - The New Zealanders were in hilarious mood on arrival at Suez, and greeted General Freyberg, who had preceded the convoy, with round after round of cheers. General Freyberg was amused when, as his launch approached, the troops greeted him with cries "what’s it like ashore, soldier?” and “.where are the camels?” Mr. Eden was mobbed, 'after reading the King’s message, one group trying to carry him shoulder-high. Mr. Eden’s presence was a great surprise. It was acknowledged as a fine gesture to the Anzacs. The townspeople later gave the troops a. rousing welcome, as they marched through rhe beflagged streets.

AUSTRALIAN INTEREST. SYDNEY, February 13. Australian newspapers, this .morning, feature photographs and articles dealing with the departure of the first part of the Second A.I.F. COMMANDER’S LETTER TO R.S.A. WELLINGTON, February 13. Mr. W. Perry, Dominion President of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, received the following letter from General Fryeberg: “Before coming away I received on behalf of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force a large number of encouraging telegrams from public bodies, friends, and other well wishers. Among them were a large number of telegrams from branches of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association. All these telegrams will be replied to as soon as time allows, but I feel I should like to send to you. as President of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, my deepest personal appreciation, as well as that of all ranks of the second N.Z.E.F.. for the messages of good wishes from their elder brothers of the first N.Z.E.F. We, at the present time, are moving across the Tasman Sea .with our powerful escort from the Royal Navy, the Royal Australian Navy and the New Zealand Division of the Royal Navy. Our ships make a fine display, and there is a general feeling of exhiliration among all ranks, who feel they are starting a fresh page in New Zealand history. A long time will elapse before we return, but we have the feeling that no matter where we go, we shall have the support and understanding sympathy in all our doings of our comrades, who took part so valiantly in the last war. Good luck and God speed to the Returned Soldiers’ Association."

DOINGS ON BOARD. WIDE AMUSEMENT PROGRAMMES WELLINGTON, February 13. Besides giving an idea, of the social and recreational activities on board the troopship in which he sailed from New Zealand, Mr. H. J. Ledgerwood, a Y.M.C.A. representative, incorporated in the reports which have been received from him, advice that will be available to the National Patriotic Fund Board, in provision of future comforts for New Zealand troops. Mr. Ledgerwood is one of the three Y.M.C.A. officers who accompanied the First Echelon. He mentioned some seasickness, but' only once was there reference in his reports to rough weather. Then he described, it as extremely rough weather, which meant the postponement of a sports meeting. The gifts officer on the ship was Lieutenant J. H. Danderson, who was appointed by the Patriotic Funds Board to look after the comforts placed aboard by the Patriotic Funds Board. Similar stocks of comforts also went with other transports, on

each of which there was a gift officer. Mr. Ledgerwood and Lieutenant Danderson lost no time in having a conference to deal with the promotion of comfort and happiness of soldeirs, and drew up . proposals which were approved by the 0.C., LieutenantColonel F/S. Varnham. A recreation committee was formed, comprising representatives from each unit aboard, and a gifts committee was called together. Arrangements were also made . for the establishment of Y.M.C.A. headquarters. Extra reading and writing rooms, and accommodation for large evening entertainments were arranged and supervised by Mr. Ledgerwood. A library was established in Y.M.C.A. headquarters, and reading, writing and musical facilities provided. The first organised community sing took place in the large mess room, and a great crowd) turned out. j The morning physical training was inaugurated under Mr. Ledger.wood, I and a Y.M.C.A. entertainment committee was formed, comprising one N.C.O. from each unit, to meet daily, and evaluate and promote all the social life of the ship. Mr. Ledgerwood reported having had to make visits to the ship’s hospital, and taking comforts to many seasick troopers. On the first Sunday at sea, a song service was attended by nearly 700 1 men. | As a result of a meeting, the fol-I lowing entertainment activities were ’ decided upon:—Separate concerts from each unit, community sings, impromptu speech. light dramatic sketch night, physical perfection parade, mock court, mannequin night, gong-em out amateur night, vespers and song services. Mr. Ledgerwood, in the first report, also mentioned that an orchestra was being formed, a male voice choir, and a mouth organ band. Referring to the organised community sing that had been held, he stated it was an inspiration, about 700 voices taking part, and all good ones. He had taught the troops

“BLESS THIS HOUSE,” and all had agreed to its nightly use as a closing vesper. He also inaugurated the daily news sheet. The first 500 tournament turned out splendidly, 52 tables being in use. Jn the second report, he said that the morning physical recreation class had grown in numbers and enthusiasm. Of 60 officers aboard. 45 per cent, attended. In all about 300 took part. He made a daily round of the entire parade decks, and advised on new methods of recreation. At the first male choir practice, there were 48 voices. The first, travel talk was well attended and much appreciated. He mentioned that there was a keen demand for library books. A sports meeting started at 2 p.m. and ended at five. There were five weights in boxing, and five in wrestling. Other events included mile relay, deck tennis singles and doubles, deck quoits singles and doubles, tug of war, drill competition, and medicine ball relay. Besides picture entertainments and community sings, 52 tables had taken part in a progressive euchre tournament, and ten tables in a bridge tourney.

In addition to making some suggestions to the Y.M.C.A. regarding future equpiment, and also to the Patriotic Fund Board for future guidance, in provision of other comforts, Mr. Ledgerwood mentioned that 2000 tins 02 cigarettes were worth more than any similar number of other articles. Plenty of lime juice cordial would be a great asset and real comfort. He also made suggestions regarding the type of films required for entertainment. He emphasised that the men appreciated good music, good drama, and genuine and clever humour. Although his reports relate only to the position on his own troopship, they give an insight into the shipboard life of some of the New Zealand soldiers, and show how much their lot is brightened by the provision of little extra comforts, for the supply of which all New Zealanders are being asked to subscribe.

EMBARKATION DAY. W’TON. DEPARTURE SCENES New Zealand’s military history en-j tered a new phase with the departure of nearly 7000 officers and men forming the First Echelon of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force.’ The naval escort included the 29,000ton battleship Ramillies and H.M.A.S. Canberra, of the Australian Navy. The embarkation at Wellington and the departure of the transports and battleships provided memorable scenes. There was, of course,

rio ' announcement of the .-time of sailing, but it had been anticipated by many thousands; of people, and,when the great ships began , to move from the anchorage they had occupied throughout the night, and swing their bows towards the harbour 'entrance, the foreshore was already thick with onlookers. Preceded by H.M.A.S. Canberra, the transports left the harbour one by one, and their departure, was so timed that a distance of from two ito three miles separated them from each otlier in the line. Then three blasts of a siren signified that the Ramillies was. leaving berth at the Pipitea Wharf to bring up the rear of the convoy. Her great guns and obvious power and strength implied a promise that the safety 'of the ships under her care would be well looked ft! Meanwhile an ever-increasing crowd had gathered on the heights around Seatoun. As each liner passed through the entrance there was a great hooting of .car horns and bursts of cheering, and answering cheers from the ships could be faintly heard. As the Ramillies cleared the heads the line of great ships receding into the distance made

. A MAGNIFICENT SPECTACLE from which onlookers were reluctant ■to turn. About 4,500 of the 6.900 officers and other ranks comprising the' First Echelon embarked at Wellington. In spite of official secrecy and an absolute ban upon newspaper reference to the event, the people of Wellington knew from the presence of troopships and men-of-war that the time of departure was at hand. There were in Wellington troopships and warships. aggregating -close on 150,000 tons, the biggest fleet of great vessels ever congregated in the port at one time.

The embarkation of the North Island section of the echelon really began, when a big detail of Divisional Signallers from the Central District Mobilisation Camp, Trentham, boarded the troopship before she sailed, escorted by the Leander, to take on the remainder of the 71 officers and 1,311 other ranks with which she left New Zealand. This small beginning of the embarkation was carried out so rapidly and quietly that only a few people in the city, apart from those officially concerned, were aware of it. The troopship and the Leander left early in the afternoon.

The main embarkation at Wellington began at 8 a.m. the following morning. News that the soldiers were on the move spread rapidly through the city, with the result that from the arrival of the first train until early in the afternoon, when the last of the ships moved out into the stream, all parts of the wharves open to the public, and from which a view of any part, of the troopships could be obtained, were

PACKED WITH PEOPLE. The embarkation plans provided for departure of the troopships from their berths at quarter-hour intervals. The schedule was adhered to. The troopships anchored parallel to each other between Thorndon and Somes Island and lay there on the unruffled surface of the harbour throughout a calm, warm Summer afternoon and night. The high standard of ocean travel provided for the New Zealand troops deserves mention. Probably soldiers have never before crossed the seas during wartime in such comfort. All but 1,400 of the 6,900 soldiers of all ranks in the echelon travelled in world-famous luxury liners under conditions very little different from those provided for peace-time tourists, and the remainder travelled in a specinllybuilt troopship designed to ensure, as far as possible the, comfort and health of the men.

Much of the deck space on troopships in the last war was occupied by temporary deck houses. This time the spacious games decks of the liners have been left free for the use. of the men. Good use was made of this space both for drill and other training, and for recreational purposes.

Each ship was equipped with ample hospital accommodation, medical officers and nursing staffs, and complete medical and surgical supplies. There were also well-stocked libraries, sports material, and games.

SCENES AT LYTTELTON. HEART-STIRRING FAREWELL. The big, grey ships silhouetted against a clear eastern sky, with the waiting warships in Pegasus Bay mere dots on the horizon, made of the sailing of the First Echelon from Lyttelton an unforgettable picture of the final scene for those who went out into Lyttelton Harbour on the dredge Canterbury to participate in the last farewell.

Aftbr the exchange of farewell blasts on the whistles of the ships, and cheers from the men and those left behind, the plaintive notes of a lament played by a. piper on the stern of one of the transports drifted across the water. It was a sad scene, too, for many on the dredge, for they were the wives and parents of men who were sailing away to war. Emotion was not restrained at the final moment.

The dredge Canterbury, moored at No. 4 jetty, was crowded with representatives of 'all the local authorities and by prominent citizens and relatives of the departing soldiers. At 4.40 o'clock the tug Lyttelton II headed across the bows of the first* transport to take up her station to starboard, and the troopship slowly moved out of her berth. The ship was ■packed from stem to stern, from lower deck to crow’s nest, by soldiers in sea dress. The soldiers’ reply to the burst of cheering was deafening. The transport on which soldiers were swarming on the rigging and' up the masts as high as the wireless antennae, made a noisy contribution with her whistle and every ship in port,-following the example of the Waitaki, made reply. As the transport glided past the end of the wharf, the vociferous cheering of her complement in khaki suddenly stopped, and the men sang with real feeling that song so appropriate for parting occasions, “Aloha.” Then a cornetist on the boat played thci opening bars of “Auld Lang Syne,”, and the song was taken up with fervour by .the men. The scenes when another transport cast off her mooring ropes was even more stirring, because the public had rushed on to the wharf to give a closer farewell to the soldiers. The cheering was so loud’ that it could be heard two miles down the harbour. As the black ’ and grey ship moved slowly towards | the moles, the magnificent farewells [given to the first transport were repeated. I i “GOD SAVE THE KING.” ; The soldiers stood to attention on the decks to sing “God Save the King.”

It was a scene so moving that few could remain unaffected. .Joined again.by the fleet of small boats which had raced back to port after leaving the first boat, the second continued down the harbour to the accompaniment of an unbroken chorus ofi cheering. High above one deckhouse, a solitary soldier waved a white shirt. “That’s Frank,” exclaimed a delighted mother on the Canterbury. “He’s waving his shirt. He said he would.” The farewells over, the transport gathered speed as she headed for the open sea. Far away, only dots beyond the towering bulk of another boat, etched' against a perfectly clear sky, the naval escort was waiting. Then, as many wept, the lament from a piper came softly across the water.

• NATIONAL REGISTER ,! MR FRASER’S STATEMENT. WELLINGTON, February 13. j The establishment of a national register as part of the general scheme for surveying New Zealand’s manpower, was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) when opening the conference called to dis1 cuss and prepare plans for a Dominion- | wide recruiting drive. Mr. Fraser also ! reaffirmed the Government’s policy of ■a voluntary system of enlistment, and emphasised that every endeavour should be directed toward making that effort a success. The Defence Minister (Mr. ' presided, and with him was the Minister of Industries and Commerce (Mr. Sullivan).

i At the outset Mr. Fraser expressed I great pleasure at the safe arrival of i the New Zealand troops in Egypt. It was a matter for great gratification that a journey that might have been attended by the greatest possible danger. had been accomplished successfully. In thanking the local recruiting committee for its work since the war started, he said it could not be claimed that the country had put forward Its maximum effort. A great deal of work had been done, but it was felt there was need for national co-ordination and co-operation, and that the country. should be aroused to realise tfie position in which the British Commonwealth, indeed civilisation, found itself at the present time. Mr. Fraser briefly referred to the report of the man-power committee, and announced there would be no absolutely exempted industry. Applications would be considered on their merits. In certain cases, men might have to be told they could not get away until they could be replaced. The job of replacement would be big, but one committee intended to undertake another thing. Before the man-power situation could be properly adjusted, there must be a survey of the whole available man-power of the whole population. That brought them to the question of a national register. Before the economic life of the country, apart from rhe war effort, could be thoroughly organised, facts concerning the men’s occupations and capabilities must be known. Forms relating to social security were now being printed, and the information collected therein, would form the basis of a national register Concluding, Mr. Fraser said ‘he meeting was for considering the best means of fulfilling the pledge to the United Kingdom and other nations of the British Commonwealth and to the Allies.

’ SUPPLIES PROBLEM. as- — WELLINGTON, February 13. The problem of supplying the essential requirements for both trrops and civil population, was outlined by Mr Sullivan, who said that after consideration of the potentialities of New Zealand production, it had been decided to maintain the troops overseas in clothing and footwear. This was a new departure, but was being done at the request of the War Office, such things as drill uniforms, braces, kitbags, etc., which was not of local material, would not. be supplied. The Minister stressed that the inspection system was meticulous, and ‘the response of the manufactures for quality was such that few rejections had to be made. He stressed the importance of key men in industry, and said that if they were not retained, the Dominion’s war effort would suffer, for these men was in itself sufficient. justification for taking the national register. MAN-POWER COMMITTEE. In a statement released by Mr Webb, Miister-in-Charge of man power, Mr Webb states that up to the present time, postponements of acceptance of men for service had fie en decided upon by Departmental officers of the Army and State Placement Service, acting in collaboration, and as directed in the scredule adopted by the Government of those occupations which had. been regarded as highly important. After very careful consideration, the Government had decided to appoint local man-power advisory committees to consider all such cases. The committees would utilise the existing machinery and consist of three members, one nominated by the employers’ organisations, one by the employees’ organisation:;, and one by the local authorities. The districts covered will be Auckland Paeroa, Whangarei, Hamilton, Wellington, Wanganui, Gisborne. Napier. Masterton, New Plymouth. Nelson Greymouth, Christchurch, Timaru, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

Mr Webb said that experience up to the present indicated that while the schedule of reserved occupations was necessary as a policy guide, the conditions changed so rapidly that there were few, it any, occupations that could justify complete and permanent feseiwaticn. He emphasised that the Government would not seek preferential treatment for its employees. Applications are to be declined without the approval of the man-power organisation. Mr Webb also referred to the problems associated with replacement of volunteers in various occupations.