READY FOR WAR.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 144671, 4 May 1915, Page 6

READY FOR WAR.

PARADE OF NEW ZEALANDERS AND AUSTRALIANS. TWELVE MILES OF SOLDIERS. (By the Special Correspondent of the Argus.) ‘ CAIRO, March 23. El Matarieh is a mud village something over 5000 years old. It is bisected by that line which so effectively divides Nil© mud and desert sand in LhTPt, one part of it having a sotting of glorious green, while the other is barren and desiccated .as the ocean beach above high-water mark. It is a typical Arab centre, the home of the fellaheen who till tho fields and tend the scraggy cattle. Even the venerable Sheikh does not know much of the village’s history, beyond the fact that the Virgin and her Child arc ©aid to hare taken refuge there during the flight into Egypt, and he will show n sycamore planted in 1G72 which marks the spot. The plain has. however, seen at least two bloody struggles. In 1517 Selim and the Turks became masters of the Nile country as the result of n decisive battle at El Matarieh, which ended with the storming of Cairo, and on March 20. ISOO. General Klober (who was afterwards assassinated close lo tho steps of Shephcard’s Hotel), with 10,000 French troops, succeeded in defeating 60,000 Egyptians there. Such is the nature of the sand of the Libyan desert that most of the bones of friend and foe who were buried bend to heel in the trenches over 100 years ago are still intact. Quite a different military scene was set in the tragic spot this morning, ‘and over 17,000 troops from the youngest of the British Dominions played the principal parts. Of ajl tho stirring incidents that- El Matarieh has aoon since the dawn of history, it has never gazed on anything more impressive than the display by tho children of tho Empire, equipped ready for war. Even' man, horse, and vehicle of the New Zealand and Australian division had boon summoned to parade, and only the sick failed to answer the call. The assembly was a spectacle in itself. { Columns of troops almost simullnncI ously came up out of tho horizon, south, east* and west, each moving in n welldefined zone so ns not to become involved with its Neighbour. At one period the whole of that part, of the desert seemed suddenly lo have been imbued with life. Soldiers came from everywhere, all khaki-clad, and toning with Nature’s manoeuvre-ground. It was quite impossible to pick out individual units from the mass. The iufantrV sent r.n a volume' of dust as they pounded ilio desert- with their feet ; each light horseman seemed to have a special cloud to bimsolf. and the eight-horsed field-guns, howitzers, and cable wagons had to be taken on trust, because they, were all shrouded behind a curtain of yellow. Just at the moment when it appeared inevitable that all branches of the force must certainly tangle in an inextricable confusion, an order was given and everyone seemed to find his right place. Tho bands brought their tramping followers into position with a swing. The mounted troops, with horses champing at tho hits, were the Inst to arrive, coming over the country widelv extended, and at a stately walk. What looked to be a disorganized mass in the earlv stages r-lowly but surely took shape, and when the commanding officer (Major-General Sir A. J. Godley) was ready to take nn his own position, a kind of human mosaic had laid itself out in front of him. The front covered eight miles; and was half ns deep, forming a pretty martial picture over the forgotten graves of men who, in more gorgeous uniforms, had fought to the death in bygone year- - . As soon as word was passed along that all was ready. Mnjor-Goneral Godley and his staff commenced their inspection, riding up and down the linos with the avowed intention of picking faults, but they were bard to find. Long residence In Vamp had taken the newness from uniforms and boots, and the sheen from horses' coats, hut battles are not won by good looks, and it was the things that lay inside that attracted more attention. Tho inspection took over two horn's, and it was almost lunch time when tho troops prepared to march past. At the saluting base was the rommandcr-in-chiof (Lieut.General J. D. Maxwell) and tho Australasian Army Corps Commander (MajorGeneral Birdwood). in addition to the divisional staff, but thcro were also many unofficial spectators on camels’ backs, on donkeys, and ou buffaloes, while half-a-dozen Bedouin horsemen reined in their shaggy charges to admire the now generation of a force that had taught their own fathers many a good lesson. The entire native population of El Matarieh appeared to have taken a holiday. The green fields were deserted, and vashmaked women in black robes, with baskets of oranges on their heads, brought their babies to bear the bands. , It took iho column four hours to twelve 4 miics of armed strength being drawn across the shadow which the Union Jack at the staff officer s lancchcad threw upon the ground. All the New Zealand infantrymen wore kncc-brccchcs and puttees, showing their sun-browned knees, but a garment more suitable for a cold climate L to bo issued almost immediately. Their marching was splendid, and to sav that the Australians showed themselves to just a Utile better advantage is to pay them the highest compliment. As usual, the mounted troops mode a fine disolay, and as tho 4000 horses passed the saluting-base they seemed to hold themselves at attention, as u they instinctively knew that something special was expected of them. Jliore was, however, no attempt at empty show in any particular; the display was eminently utilitarian . In the severe, business-like appearance of the men and their fighting equipment lay t.io of the review. J revious to’the combined parade each brigadier had made a close inspection of Ins own uuib*, and as a result such severe calls had been made upon the quartermastergeneral’s department that at to-nay s gathering there were very few deficiencies to be criticised. . Since their arrival in Egypt this was tho first ceremonial parade in v . i troops of the Second Expeditionary Force had taken part. It was originally intended that there should be a march through the streets ot Cano, but the training programme loft so Jitt-l© time ax the disposal of the chiefs that that idea had to be abandoned. today's review showed - that 33 , ■ r . as equipment is concerned both too Australians and New Zealanders are ready io£ bftfcUft* ansU fl* fe* 86 15 *> o£slbla J

without hall cartridge, their work afield has proved that they know how to fight. Nothing but the supreme test of action against a determined enemy can now disclose anything else, and nil ranks are anxious tor that trial by fire to come as soon as possible. Officers and men are beginning to chafe, under continuous training and playing at war ; they want to fight. [According to this article the combined Australian and New Zealand forces only amount to 17.000 men. ol whom 4000 are cavalry. There should haro been at least 10,000 New Zealanders.]