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The Editor's Bivvy

The last mail from overseas brought a budget of appreciative letters regarding the "K.O.C.", and also kindly newspaper reviews. Mr. T. Trumble, Commonwealth Secretary for Defence, writes: "I have to acknowledge receipt of the first number of the 'Kia Ora Cooee', which has been read with deep interest. If the succeeding numbers are up to the standard of the first number, I feel sure that the venture will meet with undoubted success, and the paper will be greatly appreciated by all those who receive it." Melbourne "Herald" describes our Official Magazine as "One of the best of soldiers' publications," and says that it has set a standard which its khaki contemporaries will doubtless be stirred to emulate.

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Copies of the Magazine are being posted each month to most parts of the civilised world, which, of course, doesn't include Germany, Austria, Turkey, etc. A glance through the Secretary's "Overseas Posting" book shows addresses in England and Wales, Scotland, Ireland, France, Denmark, Greece, United States of America, South Africa, India and Ceylon. Many Anzacs in France are receiving the "K.O C." from their pals over here, and greatly appreciate it. Thousands of copies are being sent regularly to Australia and New Zealand.

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"Camp Follower's" articles on "The Londoners" and "The Scotties" have been read with deep interest, not only by ourselves, but also by our "Allies," many of whom have written to express their appreciation. "A Londoner" writes; "Having read the article on 'The Londoners' in your excellent paper, I, being one, should like to express my thanks for the compliments and recognition displayed. All of our boys who read it were pleased and amused, and I am sure it has served to strengthen the bond between our 'Big Brothers,' as we regard them, and ourselves." From the 31st. General Hospital a member of the London Scottish writes: "I am lying in Hospital with a souvenir from the Jordan Valley—malaria, I have just read your June number, and I felt very proud with myself, and very bucked up indeed after I had got through that article on 'The Londoners.' I can say that, in our Regiment, we always had a sort of feeling that the 'Dinkums' were fond of us, and would play 'mother' to us on our various stunts. Apparently our feelings are mutual. Only a few weeks ago I wrote Home and told them how proud the Empire ought to be of her Australasian soldiers; that town-bred boys were a trifle jealous of their wonderful physique and unfailing good spirits. I am absolutely certain that every man in the Londoners will always have a soft corner in his heart for the cheery 'Dinkum.' The best of luck to your topping little Mag."

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During the past few weeks we have had the pleasure of welcoming many visitors to our bivvy. We are always glad to meet our readers and discuss the Magazine and other things with them Also we like to receive letters. If you have any suggestions to make, send them along. About contributions. The supply of ' 'copy," both prose and verse, and of sketches, is steadily increasing. We receive each month sufficient material to fill at least two numbers of the Magazine. So there must be careful selection. If your first contribution is not among the chosen, send another; it may hit the mark. Our standard is high, and, knowing the talent that exists among the A.I.F. and the N.Z.E.F., we are confident that it will be maintained.

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The June number of "Aussie", the magazine of Australian soldiers in France, makes excellent reading. The Editor has received some translations of writings by Hun authors. Following is a sample from a book entitled "Weltges-chichtliche Betrachtungen" ("World Historic Reflections"):— "When we come to Australia we do not anticipate any difficulty with the younger generation. They have proved themselves to be the most arrant cowards. The young males are spineless jellyfish Only the German conquerers will be permitted to the drama, sports and other amusements. After a time we will allow the women folk freedom, but they will not be permitted to speak even to their Australian boys—our slaves"—Then you wake up, Fritz!

A charming letter from "Myah", an Adelaide girl, has come to our bivvy; it is meant for all to read:—

"Dear Desert Riders. It is, perhaps, difficult for us in far-off Australia fully to realise the obstacles you have overcome to produce your magazine. But we are proud of the result—and our pride is very high—for it shows to us that same unconquerable spirit that has carried you through your arduous campaigning, has ignored the hardships and irritations and dangers; and is only willing to acknowledge the lighter side and the humor in your lines. It is not quite three days since I received my copy of the 'Kia Ora Coo-ee' and already it has been eagerly looked through by numbers of interested people —it showed them that the men who fought the Desert as well as the Enemy are applying the same indomitable spirit to all their undertakings. Good luck to the 'Kia Ora Coo-ee', and, above all, good luck and a safe and speedy return to all our soldiers overseas. In time past there were a few ignorant people who regarded the Desert warfare as a picnic—but now no intelligent person is unaware of the tremendous scope of the work in Egypt and Palestine."