VISIT TO DESERT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24613, 22 May 1941, Page 6

VISIT TO DESERT

MR FRASER'S TOUR I j TROOPS IN TRAINING FUNCTIONS AT CAIRO (From N.Z.E.F. Official News Service) < CAIRO, May 20. Travelling many miles out into the desert this morning, the Prime Minis- j ter, Mr P. Fraser, maintained a | schedule which he laid down tor him- i self. That schedule provides for personal visits to as many men of the N.Z.E.F. as possible. To-day he saw a formation of New Zealand troops engaged in desert training. "Although these conditions are far different from those in your own country, you seem remarkably fit and well. - ’ Mr Fraser said to them. Pride in what their fellow soldiers had already done in Greece and pride in their own discipline and smartness were revealed in the faces of these men as thev heard their Prime Minister address them. He congratulated them on their appearance and reminded them that they had a fine heritage, which he was sure they would preserve with all their might. The shining example set by the New Zealand troops in Greece was an inspiration to democratic youth, he said, and he was sure that when the time came the troops in training would do their job just as well. In the course of his inspection. Mr Fraser visited a desert dental hospital. It -was complete with chair, drill, steriliser, and the other dental equipment necessary for the efficient care of the teeth. While visiting a desert medical hospital he saw a field ambulance which had been presented to the New Zealand forces by the people of Paislev, Scotland. Yesterday afternoon a luncheon parly was given at the British Embassy in honour of the Prime Minister. The luncheon was attended by the Prime Minister of Egypt. Hussein Sirry Pasha, and other Ministers of the Egyptian Cabinet. General Sir Archibald Wavell and Lady Wavell. General Sir Thomas Blarney, the United States Minister, Mr Kirk, and some of the senior New Zealand staff officers. The base commandant of the N.Z.E.F. gave a largely-attended reception at Shephsard’s Hotel in the evening for Mr Fraser. Among those present were the British Ambassador, Sir Miles Lampson, and Lady Lampson, the Greek Minister. M. Capsalis, and Madame Capsalis, and senior officers of the services.