General Feryberg

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 57, 5 September 1945, Page 8

General Feryberg

APPROVAL BY KING

The appointment of Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., to be the next Governor-General of New Zealand was announced in the House of Representatives

this afternoon by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser)., The Prime Minister paid a warm tribute to the distinguished record of Sir Bernard as a soldier and to his loyalty to the Government as the leader of the Second New Zealand Division, and said he thought it fitting that he should be the successor to one with such outstanding service in the Royal Air Force as Sir Cyril Newall. Mr. Fraser also referred to the part played by Lady Freyberg in promoting the welfare of New Zealand service personnel overseas. Both would be assured of a warm welcome in New Zealand.

Addressing Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fraser's announcement was as follows: — "I wish to announce that the King, on the recommendation of his Majesty's Government in New Zealand, has approved the appointment of Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., X.C.8., K.8.E., C.M.G., D.5.0., to be Governor-General of New Zealand in succession to Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Newall, G.C.8., 0.M., G.C.M.U.. C.&.&., A.M., whose term of office will expire in February, 1946 "Sir, it is I think fitting that the successor to the most distinguished Marshal of the Royal Air Force Sir Cyril Newall should be the soldier who has led our famous Second Division for over five and a half years. New Zealand will welcome General Freyberg as one of her own people for not only have his associations with the Dominion during the war been of the most intimate kind, but he also grew up and was educated here in Wellington. "His brilliant leadership of the 2nd New Zealand Division has won him a secure and an honoured place in the hearts ol the people equally as it has won him the resocct and admiration of a splendid be ay of fighting men. His gaiiantry as a soldier and nis unsurpusued qualities as a leader of men are known to ks all. His great qualities are known best of ail to our soldiers who served under hrj command in Greece and Crete, in the Western Desert, ana in Italy. To them he was not only an inspiring1 leader in battle, but also a commander whose interest lay always in the welfare cf his men. - "General Freyberg's record in two wars has been a most distinguished one. Many times wounded, he holds the Empire's highest awards for bravery, and his leadership has brought I tributes from many of the foremost I Allied commanders. TOWER OF STRENGTH. "To the New Zealand Government whom he has served with the utmost loyalty and devotion to duty General Freyberg has been a tower of strength at all times. His steadfastness of purpose has never wavered, least of all in the dark days of Greece and Crete. His efforts and those of the men he led have been universally recognised as one of the decisive factors contributing towards final victory. It is with pride that we shall welcome him as our Governor-General. "New Zealand also owes a great debt of gratitude to Lady Freyberg, who has been so tireless in her work for the welfare of our men and women overseas. She was always a guiding influence in the organisation of our Forces Clubs and leave centres for our troops. "I am sure that I speak for all the New Zealand people, Maori and pakeha alike, when I say that Sir Bernard and Lady Freyberg will be assured of a very warm welcome in New Zealand."