CLOSING DOWN

Grey River Argus, 15 February 1946, Page 2

CLOSING DOWN

N.Z.E.F. IN MIDDLE EAST WELLINGTON, Feb. 13. The latest report received by the National Patriotic organisation from their Commissioner in the Middle East, Colonel F. Waite, stated work in December included equipping the brigade group for the J. Force. Colonel Waite now expects to be able to leave early this month on his return to the Dominion. Apart, from what was needed for the Japan men, all equipment is being sold in Italy. The Lowry Hut at the advanced base would be the last to close. There were still New Zealand patients in the 63rd British hospital at Cairo, and the 78th British hospital in Ismnilia, and Mrs. R. Blackford, official New Zealand Red Cross visitor, had returned to Egypt and taken up visits to hospitals again. The New Zealand nurses left to look after these men, Colonel Waite reported,, and were serving nobly to the very end under trying conditions. “The departure of the “Maunganui” should see the end of our Red Cross work in Egypt,” said Colonel Waite. “No troops have been looked after like ours. Medical, surgical and nursing services have been of the highest standard, and through our visiting system, all Kiwis have been given the extra amenities and a sympathetic word which generous people in New Zealand desired them to have.”