VISIT TO DOMINION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 128, 1 June 1944, Page 4

VISIT TO DOMINION

ADMIRAL HALSEY ARRIVAL AT~AUCKLAND P.A. AUCKLAND, May 31. Making his second visit to New Zealand since he succeeded' to the command of the South Pacific area in October, 1942, Admiral William, E. Halsey, U.S.N., idol of all his officers and men, arrived at Auckland today. His last visit was in January, 1943, and since then he has been adding to the string of, victories which have virtually cleared the Japanese out of the South Pacific area. Admiral Halsey came tq, Auckland in his own aircraft. When he stepped out on to the tarmac at a Royal New Zealand Air Force station near Auckland, Admiral Halsey -was wearing the- neat olive green uniform of a United States Navy aviator. Waiting to meet him were his personal representative in New Zealand, Commodore S. D. Jupp, and the United States Consul at Auckland, Mr. Boucher. He was then introduced to the air officer commanding the Northern Group, Air Commodore S. Wallingford, C.8.E., and received a salute from a well-drilled air force guard of honour. Admiral Halsey. returned the salute and inspected the guard. He was afterwards introduced to a ; number of service and civilian representatives, both American and New Zealand, who were there to greet him. The GovernorGeneral, who is to be Admiral' Halsey's host when he goes to Wellington, was represented by Lieutenant-Colonel A. J. Coutts, A.D.C. Representing the Government were the Minister of.Armed Forces and War Co-ordination (Mr. Perry) and'the Minister of Rehabilitation (Major Skinner). Others in tha group included the officer commanding the Northern Military District, MajorGeneral P. H. Bell, and. the naval officer in charge at Auckland, Commodore W. K. D. Dowding. The Mayor, Mr. Allum, and Mrs. Allum welcomed the admiral on behalf of the city. Immediately after the welcome Admiral Halsey was brought to, Auck-. land in a motor-car provided by the Government. For the first time a Government car flew the four-starred navy blue flag of an American admiral. In the city Admiral Halsey went to the

United States naval officers' mess, where he is staying tonight, and attended a reception in his honour which was given by Commodore Jupp. Admiral Halsey's New Zealand itinerary is subject to alteration- However, he will leave for Wellington by tomorrow afternoon. In the morning he will call on the Mayor, and at 10.30 will go to the domain to place, a wreath on the Auckland War Memorial. It is expected that while he is in New Zealand he will pay a visit to Rotorua.