WORKERS AND THE WAR.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16034, 28 September 1915, Page 7

WORKERS AND THE WAR.

DEPUTATION TO TRENCHES.

INTERVIEWS WITH TROOPS.

CRY FOR MORE SHELLS.

{Received September 27, 9.10 p.m.) London, September 26.

The Press Bureau reports that a deputation of Newcastle workers has visited the western front and conversed with the officers and men in the trenches, thus learning the necessity for a more adequate supply of ammunition.

The men in the trenches urged the deputation to impress upon all at Home the necessity for dropping their differences in order to ensure the utmost output of munitions within reason.

The officers emphatically expressed the opinion that the British, man for man, are superior to the enemy, and they deprecated the constant tributes paid to German organisation. The British accomplishments and organisation,- they state, are remarkable, a fact that has been notably demonstrated at the convalescent camps, in which, since December last, ten thousand incapacitated men have recovered, and have thus been enabled to reenter the trenches.

The secret of this success is stated to be the utilisation of the abilities of patients of all trades represented. The plumbing, tailoring, cooking, renovating, and dentistry are all done by the convalescent patients, with the result that the men, after a fortnight's rest and recreation, are rehabilitated.

The deputation states that it was impressed with the goodwill existing between the officers and men, and their cheerful confidence in the final result. Whatever the events of the past, they are satisfied that splendid organisation exists today.

" The fighters,'-' the deputation states, " have had a frightfully trying time in carrying out the work in the trenches, but they only ask that we should be loyal to them, and supply them -with shells in everincreasing quantities, without which success is impossible.'"'

The deputation deplores the unwarranted reports as to the " slacking off" in British factories. They state that it is bad policy to spread such reports, which can only depress the brave fighters who have already more than enough to bear.