CROSSING THE GERMAN BORDER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1465, 21 February 1919, Page 2

CROSSING THE GERMAN BORDER.

THOUSANDS OK CHILDREN. “NEWER ISAW HO MANY IN MV ■ LIFE.” Mrs W. 1). Rayloy, wife of one of I lie Canadian prohibition campaigners how in New Zealand, has received the following letter from her brother, ('apt. A. I). Mcßae, M.C., who is now with rhc army of occupation beyond the Rhine, (,’npt. Mcßae, writing from Bonn, Germany, on December 10, says: “Here we are at last at the Rhine, and at. present located in the above fair city. This is a University city, and a very tine one. I do not, know the population, but should judge somewhere between one and two hundred thousand; the buildings aie very lino indeed, and it, is well located. We crossed the border into Germany on ihe morning of December 4th. and have been on the move almost daily since landing here at noon to-day. We sure have these birds where v/e want, them now, and they have to watch their step and step lively too. It, is rather tunny walking into some swell house, looking it over, and then telling the Him proprietor which room you intend to live in for I lie night. The men all have to raise their hats to the officers and flag ns as we pass along the roads or through the cities. Sometimes they fry to slink by, or feeling chesty decide not to do so and us a consequence get them knocked oil’. Tlio ones with felt hats usually figure the best, as it: is a simple matter to swipe a felt bat off with a, cane without greatly damaging the cranium under it, whereas those with peak caps usually get Ihe odd jolt on the “bean” as well as losing the hat. For miles after crossing the frontier the country is very sparcoly settled,, but as we neared Ihe, Rhine it, got, quite thickly settled, with lots of little towns and villages. There is only one language the Hun understands, and lie is just foxy enough to know that lie would lie out ol luck it he did not do what was wanted of him, so we find the world conquerors ot last March quite willing to lick one’s boots, lalkahoul kids —there are thousands of them; never saw so many in my life. They are greatly pleased with the show, ol course, and tollow the band for great, ways. Ihe talk and no’se put up by the Hun about the people over here starving is all rot, and but a game of the wily Him to try and gain sympathy.”