PACIFIC FLEET

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 132, 1 December 1945, Page 11

PACIFIC FLEET

FAREWELL MESSAGES

RETURN TO HONG KONG

p^ AUCKLAND, This Day. Farewell messages have been exchanged between the Commander-in-Chief of the British Pacific Fleet (Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser), who is shortly to leave Australia for Hong Kong, and the Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall). . "I have been saying many farewells in Australia, and it is with the greatest regret that I have been unable again to visit you for the purpose of conveying personally to New Zealand the very deep appreciation felt by the British Pacific Fleet and myself for all we have received," said the admiral's message. "The New Zealand people have helped us with their lives and their material, and they have always given to the common cause unstintingly and without qualification. My ships have loved their visits to the great Dominions, and to whatever part of the world we may go we shall treasure their memories. I am shortly leaving for Hong Kong, but I shall hope to be able to pay you a farewell visit before I relinquish command in this area." His Excellency has sent the following reply: "I have conveyed your very kind message to the Government and people of New Zealand, who greatly appreciate the sentiments expressed by you. We in New Zealand are fully aware and proud of the great part played in the Pacific by the British Fleet so'ably commanded by yourself. It has been a real pleasure to have had the opportunity of meeting so many of the officers and men of the ships ■which have visited New Zealand. We hope that it may be possible for you, before relinquishing command,- to pay a visit to the Dominion, where you are assured, of the most cordial welcome."