DOMINION MINISTERS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 858, 9 November 1916, Page 14

DOMINION MINISTERS.

AT THE FRONT. NO SIGNS OF PEACE. Awn the- N.Z. Official War Correspondent. AXZAC lIEADQUARTERS, November 3. ~ Mr Massey and Sir Joseph Ward i'Continued their tour along the western front, via Bethunc and Arras to the Somme. They visited captured German trenches and dug-outs at La Boissgelle, where there had been bitter fighting. Subsequently they lunched with Sir Douglas Haig, who gave them a cordial welcome. One of our largest aerodromes was inspected, and the Premier went for a flight in a biplane. During a brief stay in Paris they called upon the President, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and the Minister of War.

Asked for a message to New Zealand, Mr Massey expressed his delight at seeing so many New Zealand troops at the front and at the cheerful confidence with which they were imbued. Though it was impossible (luring the winter to avoid some discomfort and hardship, nothing that could be accomplished in their interests was being left undone. Everywhere he heard nothing but praise of their work, especially on the Somme. It was particularly gratifying to witness the presentation on the field of decorations for bravery and distinguished services. The highest authorities told him that the New Zealanders, as a fighting force, were second to none. Although there were undoubted signs of demoralisation in the German infantry, it seemed likely that the war would continue for a considerable time. The only way to make success certain and prevent its dragging on for years was for every part of the Empire to keep up the full strength of reinforcements. Though there was universal sorrow for the relatives of the fallen, the progress already made, in which the New Zealanders had played their part, was some consolation that the sacrifices had not been endured in vain.

Sir Joseph Ward said that he. was greatly impressed with his visit to the front, and was privileged to gather from personal observation some idea of the gigantic work undertaken by the British armies in the field. The visit to the Somme had made him marvel more than ever at the wonderful accomplishment of our troops in face of the tremendous obstacles created by the enemy during a period of two years. From conversations with high authorities he felt satisfied that it was only a question of time when the British and French troops would work right through the enemy lines. TThis visit to the Somme had specially impressed- him with the fortitude and cheerfulness of our splendid soldiers.

He was delighted to find (he New Zealanders in such good heart, so well equipped, and so well cared for generally. The gigantic nature of the undertaking was fully exemplified by the enormous traffic and wonderful organisation behind the lines as well as at the front.