GENERAL RETIRING

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 185, 20 May 1941, Page 6

GENERAL RETIRING

SIR JOHN DUIGAN’S DECISION.

BRITISH OFFICER COMING

ADVISOR ON DEFENCE! PROBLEMS

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The impending retirement of MajorGeneral Sir John Dnigan Was announced by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hoh. Walter Nash) to-day. General Dnigan feels that his health can no longer stand the strain which his duties as Chief of the General Stall demand. It is his duty and plan to organise the mobilisation and training of the New Zealand forces. This task he and his Staff have performed ill a manner which will earn them appreciation.

Prior to his retirement General Duigan proposes to visit the main camps throughout the Dominion. The New Zealand Government asked the British Government for the loan of a senior military officer in a few months' to advise the New Zealand Government oil problems relating to the organisation of the New Zealand military forces, said Air Nash to-day. The services of Lieutenant-General Sir Guy Williams, late General Officer Com-luunder-in-Chief the Eastern Command havo been placed at the disposal of the New Zealand Government. He is on his way to New Zealand,, accompanied by a small staff.

Sir John Dnigan has been General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces since 1937. He served in the South African and Great Wars.