NEW ZEALAND TROOPS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16796, 12 March 1918, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS.

WORK ON WESTERN FRONT.

NOW OUT OF FIRST LINE.

The Minister for Defence has received from General Godley the following cabled report:— " Summary of work of New Zealand Division for February: Division remained in the line on the same front. Small raids were carried out, resulting in the capture of a few prisoners. The division is now out of the line training. There is nothing further to report." Asked if the information that the New Zealand Division was out of the lino training had any special significance. Sir James Allen said it had not. The division, in common with others, had periodical rests from the trenches, the time being spent in training The suggestion was made to the Minister that monthly reports from General Chaytor upon the activities of the mounted troops in Palestine would be appreciated. Sir James said that he himself had made frequent announcements as to the work being done in Egypt, but lie promised to see it monthly reports could be made.

ASSOCIATED WITH BRITISH. NO CHANGE IN COMMAND. The announcement was made by the Federal Minister for Defence early in January that the Army Corps then composed of the New Zealand Division and a section of the Australian Force had been reorganised, the Australians being withdrawn from this army corps and concentrated with the other Australian Divisions, and their place being taken by battalions from the United Kingdom, Sir James Allen was asked last evening if he knew what Home troops were now associated with the New Zealand troops. He replied that he did not have the information. He thought it was not improbable that tho regiments would be changed from time to time, and that none would serve with the New Zealanders permanently. Questioned if the New Zealand command remained the same, the Minister said that General Godley continued in command of the Army Corps of which the New Zealand Division formed part.