N.Z. SOLDIERS PRAISED

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22414, 30 May 1938, Page 11

N.Z. SOLDIERS PRAISED

— ■ LORD BIRDWOOD’S SPEECH BELIEF IN PEACE AHEAD (raou oxtb ova ccßßESPoansair.) LONDON, April 23. A high tribute to New Zealand soldiers was paid by Field-Marshal Lord Birdwood when speaking as guest* of honour at a meeting of the New Zealand Group of the Overseas League yesterday. Lord Birdwood, who was General Officer Commanding the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps during the war, said that of all the soldiers who had served under him there were none for whom he had a deeper affection than New Zealanders. His acquaintance with them was not confined to the last war, as he had known them also during the South African War. He never at any time had called on them when they did not respond to the full. A remarkable thing was the way they were able to train from private right up to general and then carry out their duties as if they had all the military training of a regular British Army officer. Lord Birdwood said he prayed the present generation would not have to go through another war. Personally; he was an optimist and he believed that it would not be necessary. But if this was to be brought about, Britain must keep its head, he said. He had great faith in Mr Chamberlain and thought he was steering a very straight course. Ho believed in the Prime Minister’s ability to keep the country at peace. He had all that human feeling which was so necessary if it was to be achieved. The High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) said the time was when he had to jump to attention at the very approach of Lord Birdwood. He wished to extend to him the congratulations of all present on his elevation to the peerage, an honour which was richly deserved. He was assured of an exceedingly warm welcome at all times in New Zealand, and he would especially like to urge on him what a fine thing it would be if he could visit the Dominion in 1940 for the Centennial.

Lord Birdwood said there was nothing he would like better if he could manage .it. He had not been to the Dominion for 20 years. Meantime he would like to extend best wishes to all his friends there.