WHERE HEROES LIE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10523, 26 February 1920, Page 6

WHERE HEROES LIE

RELATIVES’ PILGRIMAGE

ARRANGING PROPER FACILITIES TO VISIT GRAVES.

By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright Australian ami N’.V.. Association. LONDON, February 23.

In view of the anticipated rush of visitors to the cemeteries on the battlefields of Franco and Belgium during the coming spring and summer, it is probable that the Graves Commission, in order to protect visitors from excessive charges, will give its approval to various conducted tours by tourist and other organisations. The Australian and New Zealand authorities decline to undertake general tours of the battlefields, but will facilitate bereaved relatives visiting the graves. The proposal to acquire hostels has been abandoned. Australia House has now completed arrangements with the Y.M.C.A. to reserve twelve beds in their chateaux at Ypres and Amiens, and possibly at Poperinghe and elsewhere as necessary. Australian visitors .will be accommodated for a maximum of two nights at 7J francs for bed and breakfast, and parties will leave London thrice weekly. Transport represents the chief difficulty, but it is hoped that arrangements will be made to secure Red Cross vehicles. The scheme will be available from March Ist. New Zealand has appointed Chaplain Mullinoaux to receive New Zealanders at Boulogne and direct them to the best means of reaching the graves, but does not undertake to conduct visitors.