NEW ZEALAND SECTOR AT PRESENT QUIET.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16234, 20 May 1916, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND SECTOR AT PRESENT QUIET.

PREPARATION OF THE MEN FOR THE TRENCHES.

EXPERIENCE WITH POISONOUS GAS AND FLAME PROJECTORS

STEADY PROGRESS IN NEW PHASES OF MODERN WARFARE.

K.Z. War Correspondent's Cabled Message. (Received May 19. 7.45 p.m.) ' LONDON. MAY 18.

The New Zealanders are now in the trenches, having relieved a section of British troops in an interesting sector, which is at present comparatively quiet. During the past fortnight the New Zealanders have had a busy and interesting time, including marches of up to 15 miles through picturesque and intensely-cultivated country, dotted with towns and villages, to the new billets close up to the firing-line.

Since tue evacuation there has been much beneficial reorganisation and training. Specially-selected officers have taken courses at British schools behind the lines, and have returned enthusiastic about the modes of instruction. They are specially impressed with the new bayonet drill, which squads have been assiduously practising. Wearing the new helmets, the men have been put through poisonous gas, and have also been given experience of tear-producing gas and flame projectors, and taught the use of smoke clouds to mask fire. The rest of the time has been filled in with route-marching, shooting, and bomb-throwing.

The men have made steady progress in the new phases of modern warfare. The reorganisation has included the mixing of old Anzacs with the newer troops, so thr,t the brigades now in the firing-line have a large sprinkling of experienced men, which cannot fail to be beneficial. Brigades on the march, with bands playing, occasionally hurst into song. The transport and steam travelling kitchens made an imposing spectacle, and took hours passing. The villagers and British officers who watched were impressed with the men's fine physique. The First Brigade made a fine march to the front, only one man falling out, but the others were less successful in this respect, though the march, on being repeated 'a few days later, was quite satisfactory. To-day I watched our artillery on the way to the front. Both men and horßes looked well.

Undoubtedly the force is splendidly equipped. All the men at the front wear steel helmets. The billets are comfortable, and the food plentiful. The troops continue on the best terms with the French and Flemish people. Everyone is impressed with the vast scale of the operations, and the wonderful British preparedness and organisation behind the lines.

The Australians, who have now been in the trenches for seven weeks, have already proved their superiority over the German snipers. They arc also rapidly improving their trenches.