The sporting instinct is so ingrained in the average Australian that amusement and athletics have become part and parcel of his life, and his efficiency as a fighting force has been increased in consequence.  His well-knit, muscular frame, and cheerful, free-from-care disposition, and love for clean sport, have won for him a place in the estimation of those who know and understand him, which is the envy of many.  Australia has given to the world champions in almost every branch of sport, and the traditions which have been established on the football and cricket fields and in athletic circles in years preceding the war are being upheld and added to by her sons ’somewhere in France.’

A General’s task is by no means an easy one.  He has to safeguard against dissatisfaction, which invariably is the primary cause of breaches of discipline.  He requires to be tactful in the handling of his command, gain the confidence of the men, and enlist their undivided support; yet every consideration must be subordinate to the supreme task of winning the war.  His methods must be such as will exact prompt obedience and beget respect, without imposing undue hardships and punishment.

The Third Division is exceedingly fortunate in having Major-General John Monash, C.B., V.D., in command.  He is a popular and painstaking officer, a born leader, a strict disciplinarian, possessed of tireless energy.  He has not spared himself in his efforts to establish and maintain a high standard of efficiency amongst all ranks.  The G.O.C. set himself to put his men right and succeeded.  He has a wonderfully comprehensive grip over every branch of activity, and woe betide the officer or man who is indifferent to or negligent of the duties entrusted to him.  Any proposition calculated to benefit the men has always been favourably considered, and he has frequently been an interested spectator of various games that have been played just behind the lines.  As a result there is little if any disaffection among the men of the Division.  Major-General Monash has encouraged by approval and assistance various forms of recreation and entertainment.  The splendid fighting record of the Third speaks eloquently of his capable leadership and the rousing and prolonged cheering which greets him when presiding over or addressing an assembly of his men leaves no doubt in the mind as to his popularity.

[Illustration:  Off to the Horse Show.]

For a few months after our arrival in France, a cinema afforded nightly entertainment.  It was well patronized by the troops.  The building used had seating accommodation for about seven hundred, and generally long before the hour of opening a queue of soldiers would assemble.  There was no pushing or scrambling for tickets.  The Australian good-humouredly submitted to the queue system, and patiently waited his turn.  Mr. Frank Beaurepeare, of swimming fame, successfully managed the picture show, and eventually got together