The New Zealanders are now in the front line, where they have relieved the British troops.
The men were keen to get into the firing line, and are enjoying a new experience. Up to the present there have been very few casualties on our side. The New Zealanders have already accounted for several German snipers.
Soon after we entered the trenches the enemy fired 43 shells into one section, and though the trench was much battered, none of our men was hit. At one spot the trenches were so close together that we can hear the Germans talking and singing.
One afternoon we were interested spectators at close range of the bursting of some shells, containing high explosives, from German 6in guns. Great clouds of dirt and smoke filled the air. One farmhouse was shattered, and another was burning.
The enemy were apparently searching for some of our batteries. Our men are almost daily witnesses of air combats and the heavy shelling of aeroplanes by both sides, the spectacular effect of which is thrillingly interesting.
The magnificent dash and bravery of our Flying Corps have already earned the admiration of the New Zealanders.
A noticeable feature of the campaign here, as compared with Gallipoli, is the keenness of the observation by many captive balloons and planes all along the lines, this making the concealment of moving troops and gun emplacements all-important.
•What will probably be the greatest sporting athletic contest during this war took place today, when three teams of axemen from a Canadian and Australian battalion respectively, and one from the Maori contingent, met in friendly rivalry in the forest.
The competition was the outcome of a recent tree-felling contest, in which the Maoris defeated a team of French woodsmen. In today's trial the Maoris easily outdistanced three teams, three men felling three trees in 22min 42sec, the Australian team's best performance being 32min 8sec, and the Canadian team's best time 45min 22sec.
The Maoris' victory was heartily cheered. A log-chopping competition was won by the Australians, another New Zealand team being second. The Maoris did not compete.
In the sawing contest the Canadians were first and the Maoris second (almost a dead heat). A Maori won a prize for the best axemanship, a Canadian being second. Several officers, soldiers, and British war correspondents were present, also an official kinematographer.
•Another of the early settlers of Otago has just passed away in the person of Mrs John Brown, who died at her son-in-law's residence at Pine Hill, near Dunedin, on Saturday last.
The deceased arrived in the ship John Duncan in February, 1863, and came from Portree, Isle of Skye, direct to Otago. She married in 1865, and settled at Sandymount, Otago Peninsula, where for 40 years she continued to reside, having a small dairy farm.
Mrs Brown was one of the band of hardy pioneers who have helped to make Otago what it is today. She would often relate how she carried articles of furniture on her back through the bush track, camping a night on the way from Dunedin to Sandymount, to start her first home.
She leaves two daughters - Mrs Robb, of Pine Hill, and Mrs Peter Murray, of Barnego, Balclutha - and several grand and great-grandchildren to mourn her death at the old age of 84 years. Mr Brown predeceased her 17 years ago.
- ODT, 26.5.1916.
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