A TRIBUTE FROM FRANCE.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16780, 24 April 1926, Page 11

A TRIBUTE FROM FRANCE.

ODYSSEY OF NEW ZEALANDERS. New Zealand, so notable for its progressive, radical legislation, might justly claim another distinction—the splendid loyally and valour of her people in the Great War. The dauntless intrepidity of her sons in the most trying situations must needs arouse our profound admiration. The Revue des Mondcs (Paris) describes circumstantially the part those brave men have' taken. We cull some of the salient points of M. Charles Sticnons' articles (says the American Beview of Reviews) : The Anzacs inhabit the grassy solitudes of the Antipodes. Their distance from the scenes of the conflict would, jt would seem, keep them from participating in it. And yet, one day they boarded by thousands ships bearing them far from their native soil. They crossed an ocean and two seas, defended the Suez Canal, fought against Turkey among the sands of Sinai, and at the Dardanelles, not far from ancient Troy, repelled the assaults of the fanatical Arabs in Egypt; Shed their blood in Picardy; and were among the most heroic soldiers of the conflict in Flanders. Isolated in an ocean where competition by the nations for naval bases was incessant; aimed at by Japanese expansion; witnesses of German intrigues in Samoa; counting little upon England's help (connected with her since 1007 as a dominion), the two islands early realised the necessity of an efficient military organisation. They succeeded, and Lord Kitchener long before the war recognised the value of the New Zealand army establishment. As soon as England's entrance in the war became known, New Zealand gave a splendid example of a united people. Without any appeal, men volunteered en masse. In c the city of Auckland alone a thousand offered to serve a few hours after the official announcement of England's joining the conflict. Enthusiasm spread throughout the country; even the Maoris, ancient masters of the islands and old enemies of the English, demanded a place in the army.

Justly intent upon the health of their troops, the New Zcalanders selected a most salubrious stretch of 50 acres for their camp. Hundreds of low-frame houses sprang up 11k.3 mushrooms. The cuisine, amusements, etc., received attention, and in particular Hie dormitories, illuminated by 3000 rleclric lights. The question of conscription soon arose. At Hie close of 1915 England demanded a contingent, nf 2500 men monthly—lnstead of 000, as at first—and the law was passed with but four dissenting voles. '

The writer details the wanderings and Ihe active services nf the valorous New Zcalanders, beginning with their overcoming their, nearest adversaries by the conquest of the Samoan Islands. After a perilous voyage lo Now Caledonia, they captured Apia, replacing the German judges, customs collectors, etc., by soldiers. Those restful spots were voluntarily abandoned in order that the troops might join their comrades in the fight at Gallipoli.

To sail the Pacific while the hostile corsairs still held it was no light matter. The fleet—starting from Wellington—consisted of 22 vessels, guarded by an Anglo-Japanese squadion. They knew that enemy cruisers prowled In those waters; above all, that Hie Emden, the noted corsair, lay in ambush somewhere. The writer describes the fight with that vessel, which resulted in its destruction. The first Australasian naval feat of arms was a splendid success. Continuing its voyage, Ihe convoy sailed up the Red Sea. Lack of space forbids our recounting their activities in Egypt. Turning, then lo Gallipoli, M. Slienou observes I hat if (he achievements of the Anzacs remained almost unknown, the same cannot be said of their splendid action in Hie Dardanelles. Their intrepid resistance at (he gates of Constantinople, their ardour in attack, created an esprit de corps among them which Hie whole British Umpire acclaimed as 'Hie Anzac spirit.-"