After inordinate delay the projected review by the Premier and Ex-Premier of “Noo Zealand” came off a more idiotic performance you never witnessed. The politicians were dumb – Boanerges was voiceless. With downcast eyes and hastening steps two adipose, grey-silk-hatted, black-frock-coated civilians of familiar physiognomy, accompanied by a few red-hats, ambled round our expectant columns; then ambled off again to their motor and away. Not a word! Not a word! “Not a drum was heard.” Why the thing took place at all, I cannot surmise.
Last night Jerry dropped bombs all over the shop. Perhaps it was that that dumbfounded the politicians.
[Note: Despite Lincoln’s clear annoyance at the absence of a speech from New Zealand’s two leading politicians, it seems likely from the photograph below that Massey did address some New Zealand artillerymen during his visit. The Prime Minister was also photographed addressing large groups of New Zealand soldiers on 3 July at Etaples – see later below.]
Image: William Massey addressing members of the New Zealand Artillery at Louvencourt, France during World War I. Joseph Ward is standing second from right, partly obscured. Photograph taken 2 July 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. Ref. 1/2-013355-G]
[Image: Prime Minister Massey and Sir Joseph Ward talk with assembled New Zealand troops stationed at the New Zealand Infantry and General Base Depot in Etaples during World War I. In the background are rows of tents and base buildings. Photograph taken 3 July 1918 by Henry Armytage Sanders. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington. Ref. 1/2-013717-G]
Walk March 