THE "ENZEDS."

Otago Witness, Issue 3330, 9 January 1918, Page 43

THE "ENZEDS."

AFFECTION FOR THE "AUSSIES."

Mr Keith Murdoch, Sydney Sun's representative, writes under date December 17:— I found the New Zealandcrs yesterday with their skins tingling from the severe frost. They were working solidly and cheerily as ever. They have not had much fighting since they took the Polclerhoek trenches, but their aggressive temperament, and their scorn of the Bocho keep the sector lively. Special difficulties duo to the miles of duck-boards over which supplies must be carried make the New Zealanders winter arduous, like the Australians' work on tho Sommo last winter. Despite corduroy roads and light railways, and the utmost use of horse and motor transport, large numbers of tho reserve units become at such times mere pack animals, bearing food and clothes and trench material. Others are principally occupied in trench buildingv The "Fernleaves" are known as equally courageous in battle and industrious ia trench making. They improve and develop the defences and trench systems in every sector in which they are put. The Ne* Zealandcrs' quietness furnishee' a remarkable contrast to tho Australians. They always seem stolidly though intelligently, occupied. They talk little about Passchendaele. which was their hardest fighting since Gallipoli. Their reciprocal friendship with the Australians is now most noticeable. The forces call each other respectively "Aussies" and "Enzeds," and their is undoubtedly a strong mutual confidence while fighting, each liking the other alongside, whilst a genuine feeling of comradeship and close cousinship is rapidly increasing. General Russell says that the men at the close of the year are in the best spirits. The only health trouble is trench-feet, which is Worse than in 1916. There is ample warm clothing and comforts. The longing for home is intense, but everyone is determined to finish the job.