NEW ZEALAND TROOPS’ PART

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 31 December 1940, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS’ PART

MOTOR TRANSPORT IN WESTERN DESERT [United Press Association] WELLINGTON, This Day. The Prime Minister has received the following message from General Sir Archibald Wavell, Commander-in-Chief of the British Forces in the Middle East:— “New Zealand motor transport units have played an important part in the operations in the Western Desert up to date. In the opening stages they carried infantry forward to the attack and displayed coolness and resolution under fire. Since the first attack they have worked continuously at the arduoi task of bringing forward supplies under difficult conditions and over long distances by day and night. In addition, New Zealand signallers have provided essential links in the system of communications, working long hours under trying conditions. In this way they have contributed largely to the successes obtained.”

To-night all roads should lead to the Oddfellows Hall, Waimea street, where a combined gala dance and hogmanay will be held from 9 p.m. until dawn under the auspices of the Oddfellows and Scottish Society. Excellent dance music will be supplied by a supplemented orchestra under Messrs H. Williams and C. Reynish. Supper and soft drinks will be provided by the ladies’ committee, and there vdll be several Monte Carlo and Lucky Spot dances. For the residents and many visitors this dance should be a good way of seeing the old year out and the new year in.