THE KING IN FRANCE.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12061, 17 July 1917, Page 5

THE KING IN FRANCE.

UNDER FIRE AT THE FRONT. INSPSJCTIft.V OF ALL BRANCHES OF ARMY WORK. Australian ancl N.Z. C&b!o Association. (Received Julv 17, 2 p.m.) LONDON, July 16. Mr Philip Gihbs, describing the King's entry into the danger, zone, say« that liiri Majesty tramped over \Y.vtschaete anil Yimy. which were still under heavy fire, u big shell bursting not far away. The King took risks enough, far too many for tho immediate happiness of the. staff officers and the provost-marshals. The historical value of the -visit lay in tho wonderful wayside wenes, where hundreds of thousands of the young soldiers of the Empire wen? mussed along the mute, and in tho continual revelation of the enormous strength to which the British armies had grown in man-power .and material. The King's to.ir covered a a largo part of the country between the sea and the Somme.

The King studied every branch of the organisation and material of the armies in the held, and many hours were spent in the aerodromes, among the Tanks, ancl in the training schools and workshops. He saw tho latest inventions in destructive and defensive weapons. During an interchange of risitra with General Retain, tlu;- King decorated some of the most gallant ofliccrs of France. Moan while the Que-.-n was touring other towns. She met the King now and then on some special occasion.