MR FRASER IN EGYPT

Grey River Argus, 23 May 1941, Page 9

MR FRASER IN EGYPT

CAIRO PAPER Praises New Zealanders [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] CAIRO. May 21. The following leader appeared m the Egyptian Gazette on May 19: “In a homely talk to the local Press, last night, Mr. Peter Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand, at present on a short visit to his countrymen serving here, expressed'gratitude on behalf of the Dominion Government and people for the warm welcome given, both officially and unofficially, by everyone to the New Zealand Forces in Egypt. He mentioned, in particular, the various clubs and recreational centres, and said how gratified he was to find a genuine attempt to make the boys feel at home. “We for our part,” says the leader, “would like to return the compliment. and say the pleasure is ours. We have not forgotten that the New Zealanders were the first Dominion troqps to arrive in this country after the war started. It seems a long time since that February day, when Mr. Eden and a small party of journalists went down to welcome them, and the distinctive New Zealand Army hat has long since ceased be a novelty in Egypt. However, this is not one of those occasions when familiarity breeds contempt, but rather growing appreciation of the sterling qualities of the men from down under. With those at home in New Zealand, we here re. joice at their brilliant action in Greece, and still more at their safe return. When Mr. Fraser said the New Zealanders were modest, he was right. They are a shining example of democratic government at its best, and if all the world was like New Zealand it would be a happier place. Mr. Fraser can rest assured that we in Egypt will always do our best to make his countrymen feel at home, and the more that can come the better.”

New Zealand troops are. fortunate in having an organisation like the Maadi Tent to provide refreshments and entertainment during hours of leave. For over a year, this organisation has subscribed to another, staffed by residents of Maa'di, and has been providing recreational facilities for New Zealand and British troops. This afternoon, in reply to a speech of welcome by Mr. Crawford, Chairman of the Tent, Mr. Fraser, who was paying an official visit, stated that the people of New Zealand had heard of the good work being done by the Maadi residents. He considered it a privilege to make the visit, and on behalf of the people of New Zealand, expressed appreciation and heartfelt thanks that their boys wers being treated well in Egypt. Everywhere he found th? same unbounded hospitality. He was impressed witn the kindnqss of those Egyptian people who were making it their business to look after the New Zealand boys.

He spent some time wandering amongst the tables chatting with small groups of men. He told them news from home, and listened with great interest to their tales Jf Greece.