NORTH AFRICAN VICTORY

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23943, 10 May 1943, Page 4

NORTH AFRICAN VICTORY

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGES

SENT BY MR FRASER

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, May 9. New Zealand’s congratulations to all arms taking part in the present successful campaign to drive the Axis armies from North Africa is expressed in telegrams dispatched to-day by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) to Mr Churchill and Mr Roosevelt.

Mr Fraser's telegram to Mr Churchill was:

“On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand. I offer to you and Mr Roosevelt, and through the President to General Eisenhower and all those under his command, the joyful and heartfelt congratulations of the Government and people of New Zealand on the triumph which has attended the efforts of all arms in the final stages of the North African campaign. New Zealand is proud to be associated with other United Nations in the task of driving the Axis forces from North Africa and thus hastening the day of final victory and enduring peace.”

Mr Fraser’s message to Mr Roosevelt was on similar lines.

Intending passengers and others on the crowded platform at the Greymouth railway station on Saturday morning were startled by the brilliant flash cf lightning which preceded a crash of thunder. A member of the staff, who was using a telephone in the railway office at the time, was startled when he saw a blue flame several inches in length emprge from one of his ears, but he suffered no ill effects. The Post and Telegraph Department reported that no damage had been caused to its lines.