FAREWELL TO N.Z.

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25250, 31 July 1947, Page 8

FAREWELL TO N.Z.

Field-Marshal Montgomery

MESSAGE TO THE DOMINION (P.A.) AUCKLAND, July 30. Field-Marshal Viscount Montgomery issued the following farewell message this evening on the eve of his departure from New Zealand:— “The time has now come for me to bid farewell to the people of New Zealand, and I do it with a sad heart. It is very difficult for me to express adequately all I feel. I have travelled throughout the length and breadth of your land, and have seen all the varying beauty of your countryside. “I have talked to large numbers of people in every walk of life. I have renewed my old friendship with a great many of your fighting men who were once comrades in arms with me. And I have seen a very large number of your healthy and sturdy children. “I have seen what this land, so rich in the fertility of its soil, produces. Its people are proper descendants of their adventurous forefathers; people who have proved themselves worthy of their birthright by their effort and bravery in two world wars. You have indeed a land worthy to be fought for.

“Wherever I have travelled I have been quite overwhelmed by the warmth of the reception you have given me. The obviously genuine sincerity of your friendliness has moved me deeply. “In my search to capture the spirit of New Zealand. I have often asked myself whether the real key to the distinctive feature of the New Zealand character does not lie in the quality of sincerity, a quality which adds real depth to a man’s every action. “I would like to thank all those people who mhde mv visit possible: your Prime Minister (Mr Peter Fraser) and the Government who invited me to come here; the Minister of Defence <Mr F. Jones), who accompanied me throughout; the Department of Internal Affairs, who so skilfully made all arrangements for the smooth fulfilment of a crowded programme; police, drivers, and airmen in my par'y; and finally, all the people and children of New Zealand, who gave me such a wonderful reception and who made my stay in your country such a happy cn*». “I shall t*k*» bTck home with me lasting and rffectionate memories of this wonderful visit to New Zealand Gocd-bye, and good luck to you all.”