ASSISTANCE AFTER RAIL DISASTER

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27246, 13 January 1954, Page 2

ASSISTANCE AFTER RAIL DISASTER

SERVICEMEN THANKED BY MINISTER

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, January 11.

Appreciation of the efforts of servicemen after the recent railway disaster at Tangiwai has been expressed by the Minister of Defence (Mr T. L Macdonald) and the Chief of the General Staff (Major-General W. G. Gentry). Mr Macdonald’s message to all the troops concerned reads:— “I take this opportunity of expressing my personal appreciation of the splendid work done by Navy and Army personnel in handling the situation arising out of the railway disaster at Tangiwai. No-one who saw what was done by service people and their wives in the difficult period after the accident could remain unmoved by the fine spirit shown by all concerned. “Unpleasant tasks were undertaken willingly and competently. Relatives and friends of the victims were cared r or in a manner that won their grateful appreciation, and all aspects of the organisation worked smoothly and efficiently. The Prime Minister (Mr Hol»land) has already made fitting reference to this hut I cannot let the occasion pass without adding my own personal tribute to those who carried out a fine piece of work in the best traditions of their services.” Another message of thanks and appreciation of the sterling efforts of the troops was sen-t by Major-General Gentry.