UNANIMOUS VIEW.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 304, 26 December 1939, Page 4

UNANIMOUS VIEW.

EXCELLENT CHOICE.

GENERAL FREYBERG, V.C.

HIGH QUALIFICATIONS. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, Monday. "New Zealand is to be congratulated on having obtained the services of Major-Genoral B. C. Freyberg, V.G., to command the Special Force/' said the Minister of Education and Health, tlic Hon. P. Fraser, to-day. ''With MajorGeneral Duigan in charge in New Zealand, the combination will be excellent.

I "I would like it to be understood that before tlie appointment was made the highest authorities were consulted as to General Freyberg's suitability for the command. There was a unanimous expression of opinion that there could be 110 better choice. In addition to being a world-famed soldier (his personal achievements were quoted by the late J. M. Barrie as an outstanding example ill his famous St. Andrew's address on 'Courage'), he is held in high esteem as a. commanding officer, and in any case would have been selected shortly for the command of a division in the field. ' The fact that he is a New Zealander. and proud of the fact, and understands New Zealand and New Zealand people is very important. Add to these qualifications and to his wide experience the fact that ho has a very high reputation for groat consideration and concern fo r the well-being of men under him, and that ho is a thoroughly friendly and courteous gentleman to everyone with whom he conies in contact, and you have that fine combination of qualities that makes a commanding officer in whom all can have confidence."