TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1939, Page 5

TRIBUTE TO SOLDIERS

GOVERNOR-GrENERAL

INSPECTION OFCAMP

(By Telegraph—'Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, November 28. - Showing fine steadiness on parade, soldiers of the 18th (Auckland) Battalion and New Zealand Army Service Corps: in camp at Papakura today won high commendation from the Gover-nor-General for their response .to the Empire's call and for their progress in training. This was the first time Lord Galway had visited the camp, and, In addition to inspecting the, men, he took the opportunity to examine the buildings. His Excellency took up a position at a saluting base and took the ■ salute from the parade in the march past. Later the soldiers marched into close order and Lord Galway addressed thern^

"I wish to congratulate you," he said, "on being some of the first volunteers in this Empire emergency, which we have got to face. You have come into camp willingly to do your training and I am delighted to hear such good reports of the progress you have made, j"I am sure you are delighted, as I am, that one of New Zealand's most famous heroes of the last war has been put in command of the overseas force. An officer with such a war record as Major-General Freyberg will be an inspiration to you all, and I am sure he will have the greatest confidence of all New Zealanders. Such an appointment must result in a great stimulus to recruiting, and I am sure many men will come forward for training in the echelons that will follow you. "I give you my most cordial good wishes and tell you how I, as GovernorGeneral of New Zealand, deeply appreciate the way you have come forward as members of the first force to volunteer for overseas service."