BATTLEFIELDS AND CEMETERIES.

Colonist, Volume LXII, Issue 15311, 26 February 1920, Page 5

BATTLEFIELDS AND CEMETERIES.

EXPECTED RUSH OF VISITORS

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

London, Feb. 23. In view of the anticipated rush of visitors to the battlefields and cemeteries in France 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 their approval to various tours conducted by tourist and other organisations. The Australian and New Zealand authorities decline to undertake the arrangement of general tours of battlefields, but will facilitate visits by bereaved relatives to specified places. The proposal to acquire hostels has been abandoned. Australia. House has now completed arrangements with the y.M.C.A. to reserve 12 beds at their chateaux at Ypres and Amiens, and possibly at Poperinghe and elsewhere, as may.be found necessary . Australian visitors will be accommodated for a maximum of two nights for 7* francs for bed and breakfast. Parties will leave London thrice weekly. Transport represents the chief difficulty, but it is hoped that arrangements can be made to secure Red Cross vehicles. The scheme will be available on March Ist.

New Zealand has appointed the Rev. Mr Molyneaux to receive New Zealanders at Boulogne and direct them as regards the best means of reaching graves, but does not undertake to conduct visitors.