VOTES FOR MEN OF N.Z.E.F.

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23942, 8 May 1943, Page 4

VOTES FOR MEN OF N.Z.E.F.

♦' ASSURANCE GIVEN BY MR JONES (Official War Correspondent N.Z.E.F.) NEAR ENFIDAVILLE, May 1. An assurance that all members of the N.Z.E.F. would be given an opportunity to vote at the general election was given by the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). . In reply to questions concerning the advisability of holding elections at the present time, the Minister said the Government, after five years in office since the last election, considered it advisable and necessary to ask for an expression, of opinion by the people upon its administration. The Minister made it plain that he desired to keep party politics out of the discussions, but the men showed little disposition to ask questions on party lines. The Minister had a special message for the men of the Maori Battalion. As members of a famous warrior race, he said, they had not only lived up to but had also enhanced its traditions. The Maori people were playing a great part in New Zealand’s war effort. He referred to the invaluable assistance given by the late Hon. P. K. Paikea. Informal Gatherings There was an absence of formality during the Minister’s tour, most of the gatherings taking place with officers and men seated in a ring on the grass, while the Minister addressed them and answered questions. Accompanied by Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, the Minister visited the Bth Army headquarters and had tea with General Montgomery. Mr Jones has now met almost all the Allied services leaders in the Middle East theatre. Mr Jones told a correspondent that wherever he had gone on his tour of England, America, and the Middle East, he had found that. New Zealanders were held ip the highest regard and their reputation as fighting men was extraordinarily high.