PRIME MINISTER

Grey River Argus, 22 May 1941, Page 8

PRIME MINISTER

VISITS DESERT TROOPS Cairo Honours for Mr Fraser (Received May 21, 8.25 p.m.) [From N.Z.E.F. Official News Service.] CAIRO, May 20. Travelling many miles out into the desert this morning, Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand, maintained the schedule which he has laid down for himself. That schedule provides for his paying a personal visit to as many men of the N.Z.E.F. as possible. To-day he saw a formation of New Zealand troops engaged in desert training. ‘•Although these conditions are far different from those in your own country you seem remarkably tit and well,” said Mr. Fraser. Pride in what their fellow soldiers had already done in Greece, and pride in their own discipline and smartness, were revealed in the faces of these men as they heard their Prime Minister address them. He congratulated them on their appearance. He reminded the men that they had a tine heritage, which he was sure they would preserve with all their might. The shining example set by our troops in Greece was an inspiration to democratic youth. He was sure that, when the time came, they would do their job just as well. In the course oi his inspection, Mr. Fraser visited a desert dental hospital. It was complete with chair, ,drill, steriiiseil, and other aental equipment necessary for the efficient care of the teeth. ' While visiting a desert medical hospital, he saw a held ambulance which had been presented’to the New Zealand forces by people of Paisley, Scotland. Yesterday afternoon a luncheon party was given at the British Emoassy in Cairo in honour of the New Zealand Prime Minister. The luncheon was attended by Hussein Sirry Pasha, of Egypt; and other Cabinet Ministers, General and Lady Wavell, General Sir Thomas Blarney; the United States Minister, Mr. Kirk; and some of the senior New Zealand Staff Officers. The Base Commandant of the N.Z.E.F. gave a largely attended reception at Shepheard’s Hotel in the evening for Mr. Fraser. Among others present were the British Ambassador and Lady Lampson, the Greek Minister and Madame Capsalis, and also the senior officers of the services.