"DIGGER."

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12637, 23 May 1919, Page 5

"DIGGER."

HZEUDK'tmE A NAME THAT WILL LIVE IN HISTORY. (Written for the "Star.") The name “digger" has become so well known, and is so frequently used, that it is now generally recognised as tiro distinctive title of the Now Zealand soldier, in no sense is the name ivu; on the other hand, it is a term oil friendship and comradeship, and will go down to posterity as the greatest title over conferred on New Zealanders. Its origin is wrapped in obscurity, and, although several attempts have ocoiij made to locate the actual time and! piace when tho term was first used, no definite solution of the mystery seems to haqp been obtained. The writer distinctly remembers the first time lie was called a “digger,"', but it is quite possible that the Haute was in use months before then. It waa while the division was at Flourbnix.l The term m those days waa not ren gurded with the same good feeling ns it was a little later. No mention of “ diggers ” is made in “Shell Shocks,”i which was published by the Y.M.O.A. early in 1917, nor in the early issues) of the “Chronicles of the N.Z.E-F.,"-although later in 1917 the “ Chronicles ” were instrumentalin making tha name very popular both in Franco and in England. Some authorities are inclined to give tho Australians tho credit for first using the term, but whether this be true op not, there seems no question ns to the) New- Zealander very soon acquiring a monopoly of tho name. Many “dig-. t gers" became so disgusted at the way the Australians were called “ Anzacs” without tha New Zealanders being included, that they were inclined to shun: the name, and later the term “ Anzac ’’ was used in a disparaging manner when referring to the latest arrivals from New Zealand. Other authorities hold the opinion that the jiame “ dinner ’’ originated in the “two-up" and “crown and anchor ” schools at Etaples, where largo crowds of Australians, New Zealanders and Tommies wore wont to congregate. Certainly there is no doubt ns to the name being in Use there before it got “up the line." Quite _ possibly the term was carried up the line as the men' proceeded there from the base. Curing 1917 the name gradually earned the favour of tho men in the division, and even officers in their messes spoke of their men as “diggers " without feeling that they were trending on dangerous ground. The Y.M.O.A. made use of tho name on every possible occasion, and the “Chronicles’' did much to raise the term to a high level, so that it could be used without any semblance of offence or vulgarity. In the 1918 edition bf “ New Zealand at the Front,” the glossary defines “digger" as “the New Zealand soldier, no doubt because he has proved himself as handy a man with the pick and shovel as ho is with the rifle and bayonet." It is quite true that the “diggers" did prove themselves handy with the pick and shovel, and it has been stated that they were the - first soldiers to go over the top carrying a shovel with them. Those who were with the division in the days of “ Plug Street.” Messines. Pnsschendnele, Polygon Wood, and tho Somme, 7918, lmve > every reason to remember' their digging days. Tlie name has now attained such an honoured position that its importance should be duly recognised and the origin discovered as nearly as possible in order that future historians can appreciate tho full significance of the term. The name has come to stay, and will always be remembered with the Greatest of affection by those to whom the title is due. It is hn honour to be called “digger," and New Zealanders enn never dissociate the name from the glorious deeds of the men of the division which won such renown. DIGGER. (We would be glad to print letters from any other “ digger " who can throw' anv light on the origin bf the term. —Ed. “ Star.")