DOMINION'S TRIBUTE

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 67, 22 March 1929, Page 11

DOMINION'S TRIBUTE

"UNPARALLELED SERVICES"

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) INVERCARGILL, 21st March. "I feel grieved to learn of tho death of Marshal Foch, whom I had the honour and pleasure of meeting on numerous occasions, and knew him very well both iv his official and private capacities," stated tho Prime Minister (the Bight Hon. Sir Joseph Ward) to-night. "It would seem almost impertinent for mo to attempt to pay a tribute to him as a great soldier, as his well-earned reputation and singularly brilliant direction in the Great War have been referred to and acknowledged by men of tho highest standing qualified to judge, not only within the British Empire, but in some of the other great countries which possess soldiers of high standing who have been so eminently qualified to express an opinion regarding his capabilities." Sir Joseph Ward announced that ho had sent a cable message of sympathy and condolence to the French Government as well as to the wife and members of tho family cf Marshal Foch.

The text of the message forwarded by Sir Joseph VVard to the Premier of France is "as follows:—

"Tho Prime Minister of .New Zealand presents his compliments to the Premier of France, and desires for himself, his colleagues, and the people of Now Zealand to express condolences to tho French nation and to the wife and family of Marshal Foch in the gr.eat loss they have sustained by the death of one who earned grateful and lasting appreciation of this country for unparalleled military services and wonderful achievements accomplished during tho Great War. For his noble services humanity will over remain indebted to him."