MR. FRASER IN EGYPT

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 May 1941, Page 5

MR. FRASER IN EGYPT

VISITS TO N.Z. PATIENTS.

(N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.)

CAIRO, May 19.

Making it his first concern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mi Fraser) has been very busily engaged since his arrival in Egypt visiting patients in New Zealand hospitals, and speaking to them. Many of those he saw were wounded in Greece, and for these he had a special word. His programme at the hospitals of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force has been .strenuous; but this has not altered his intention of seeing and speaking to as many as possible who are ill or wounded.

During an interval at one hospital Mr Fraser said he wished to take the opportunity to thank the medical and nursing staffs of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force 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 he knew Others were able to give him messages to pass on to people at home. Mr Fraser also called on the Egyptian Premier, Hussein Sirry 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 very fine facilities available to soldiers while on leave in the city. He had dinner at the club, and was struck by the enthusiastic way in which the boys 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 he was met by smiling faces. Mr Fraser saw the new Accommodation which has just been added to the club, expressing his delight at the amenities provided through the National Patriotic Fund. A further cal] 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 the 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. “TAILS UP.” (Recd. May 20, 9.45 a.m.). LONDON, May 19.

New Zealanders returned from Greece with their tails up, Mr. Fraser told the British United Press Cairo correspondent. Mr. Fraser added: They are thoroughly convinced they can wipe out the Germans if the odds are more or less equal. The decision to send an expeditionary force to Greece was absolutely right. Asked whether the situation in the Pacific had improved, he replied that if he knew what happened when Matsuoka and Hitler met, he could answer that question.