N.Z. TROOPS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXIX, Issue 9658, 15 July 1919, Page 3

N.Z. TROOPS.

GENERAL GODLEY'S TRIBUTE

"In the record of your service in this war you have given the New Zealand Citizen Army the best of all possible foundations —the traditions of sacrifice and success," states Lieuten- j ant-General Sir A. J. Godley in his farewell order issued to members of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force. "I trust no effort will be spared to utilise to the utmost extent this dearly-bought tradition, and that the name of every soldier who has fought in this war will in some way be associated with a specific New Zealand Territorial unit, and that his services; will be -recorded in that unit's regimental history. I hope that many of you will continue to take an active part in the work of the New Zealand Military Forces. Your experience of actual warfare has taught you the true meaning and supreme value of discipline; your co-operation, therefore, will be invaluable. It is claimed by some that war service justifies a subsequent life of ease and the making of' many demands on the rest of the community. . That no ex-member, of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force will be found to re-echo so .unworthy a sentiment I feel confident.. I trust rather that the spirit of service and self-sacrifice so conspifaaiisly shown throughout the war will be, carried on into civil life, and that all will endeavour fco do their full share in making good the leeway and in bearing the burdens caused by the war. My four years as General Officer Commanding the Forces in New Zealand, and still more my nearly five years' experience as General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Expeditionary Forces, have specially impressed me with, the natural capacity of the New Zealander. New Zealand, I am convinced, is able and is destined to piny a part in the world out of. 'all proportion to her size and population. That such a destiny may be hers, and that you may all return in safety to your homes and may live long in happiness and prosperity in your greatly ; favoured country, is' the sincere wish of (Sgd.) Alex. J. Godley, LieutenantGeneral Commanding New Zealand Expeditionary Force."