TROOPS REVIEWED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23970, 21 May 1941, Page 8

TROOPS REVIEWED

MR. FRASER IN EGYPT TALKS WITH THE MEN DOMINION'S ADMIRATION ANOTHER HOSPITAL VISIT (N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) CATRO, May 20 New Zealand Divisional troops in Egypt inarched past the Prime Minister, the lU. Hon. P. Eraser, on Sunday morning. Mr. Eraser thanked the men for the part they had taken in the battle which the British Commonwen Ith was fighting. Cheers for Mr. Fraser were given by the men. This was the first parade the troops had had since their return from Greece, and their bearing, discipline and precision were impressive. Initiative, self-reliance, co-ojx-ration, discipline and belief in the cause for which they were fighting, said Mr. Fraser, were the factors which helped to make their performance so splendid. People at home had been very anxious and, while they mourned the loss of those who fell, they were thankful tho casualties had not been as heavy as was feared. He expressed the highest admiration of the people of New Zealand for their magnificent achievements. Fine Work Admired Historv recorded no finer or more stirring episodes than those in which the New Zealanders had figured so gallantly and effectively during the retreat, when they fought a rearguard action which covered the British forces in Greece, said Mr. Fraser. Everybody in New Zealand was proud of them, General Wavell and Major-General Freyberg had expressed to him their highest admiration for the fine work of the New Zealand Division in Greece. Mr. Fraser attended a church service, the officiating chaplain being the Rev. Keith Watson. Stopping at times and talking to small groups of men and hearing their stories of the Greek cami paign, Mr. Eraser visited various parts of the camp where the men are stationed. Everywhere lie heard the same story, that the men telt they had the measure of the Germans and were looking forward to another chance of meeting them. The men plied Mr. Fraser with questions about New Zealand. Before passing on to each small gathering, Mr Fraser shook hands with every man and was cheered as he entered his car Men Visited in Hospital After lunch with senior officers of the camp Mr. Fraser proceeded to a large prison camp containing Italian and German prisoners, where the guard was furnished by New Zealanders who had taken part in the Greek campaign. Here he briefly addressed the men and repeated his message from the people to the troops. He paid a second visit to a large hospital to see men lie had been unable to see on the first occasion. Administration stores and laboratories were inspected by Mr. I'raser. ; He said it spoke volumes for the nurses and doctors that lie had not heard a single complaint from any patient. On the contrary, he had heard the highest praise from all patients, some of whom were from Australian arid British forces. Kiwi Club and Lowry Hut The Kiwi Club, which is conducted j bv voluntary workers for the benefit of patients at this particular hospital, vas next visited. Mr. Eraser met the I women who are working there and thanked them for their services to the New Zealand soldiers. Mr. Fraser and his party had tea with the men. Mr. Eraser had already met representatives of the press at a conference at the British Embassy. He addressed them and answered questions with particular reference to New Zealand. Mr. Eraser to-day visited a large New Zealand base camp. He first went to the field supply depot, where he was pleased to see a considerable amount of New Zealand produce being used. A sergeant butcher said the meat which Mr. Eraser inspected was good North Island beef. Troops at Training For the first time since his arrival in the Middle East Mr. Eraser saw troops training and learning to use the field guns which wrought such havoc on the Germans in Greece! During liis visit to an artillery survey company he met and chatted with several Public Works Department engineers who are carrying on the traditions of the department in the army. Mr. Fraser had morning tea with infantry sergeants and visited the Y.M.C.A. hut. He was gratified to see the steps being taken to provide recreational facilities in our camps. An inspection of the Lowry Hut, which is in course of erection, concluded the morning programme. Here Mr. Eraser met, Mrs. A. P. F. Chapman, who is the only lady Y.M.C.A. worker with tho New Zealand troops. The hut is being fitted out in a manner which will ennble it to be used readily fori entertainments and other purposes. Without doubt it is one of the best j of its kind in the Middle East.