CAPITAL ACCLAIMS “MONTY”

Evening Star, Issue 26155, 17 July 1947, Page 8

CAPITAL ACCLAIMS “MONTY”

Hero's Spectacular Drive Through Crowded City Streets (P.A.) WELLINGTON, July 17. It appeared as if the whole of Wellington had turned out to greet Field-Marshal Lord Montgomery on his drive through the streets. The city was a spectacular sight. From Willis street the view north was a long vista of waving flags from buildings and balconies fluttering in the brisk breeze. Streamers festooned over the overhead tram wires, and in places torn paper fell like thick snow. The drive from Government House first passed through lines , of secondary] school boys, and girls stationed along the route from the entrance to Government House and round into Cambridge Terrace. Manners street was packed with people who poured out of shops and factories, and there was left only a narrow width of road for the motor car. , " Monty ” wore a greatcoat and the famous black beret, and as he drove slowly through the streets he waved continually to the . cheering crowds. Long after he had'gone and the car was no longer visible its progress could be marked by the travelling wave of cheering. The day was particularly one for the children.. Secondary schools had the morning free after the drive, and primary school children had a whole holiday. All the children seemed to have flags, and as the car passed small boys fell in behind, running excitedly behind the slowly-moving vehicle, shouting and shoving.

Uneasy Peace Not War-breeder

“ I am a great believer in the voluntary enlistment of women in the forces in peace time,” said' Field-Marshal Montgomery, during his first Press conference in New Zealand , this morning. He said that this recruiting was encouraged in Britain, particularly in the anti-aircraft and signals services, where the woman’s touch when handling sensitive instruments was more delicate than the soldier’s. Lord Montgomery said New Zealand had sent overseas a' very large number of soldiers in proportion to the uopitlation, and the fact that war production “ remained terrific ” was evidence that the womenfolk “ got dowu to it 100 per cent.” Lord Montgomery said many people were thinking a good deal about “ the uneasy peace,” but he saw no reason to think that these ” little bits of trouble ” to-day would end in war. It was natural for these^ things to happen after such a great upheaval. One of the biggest factors for the future peace of the world was a strong united British Commonwealth of Nations. The strength of an individual nation, however, did not .necessarily depend on its keeping large forces in peace time. A strong national character was essential. “ In the end it comes down to the man,” said Lord Montgomery. “ It is no use having the best tanks in the world if the man is no good.” The fighting man had to have the light of battle in his eyes. Lord Montgomery declined to comment on the role New Zealand might play in the future in the defence of the British Commonwealth, adding that this was a question he woulddiscuss this afternoon with Cabinet. He said that as a result of a great deal of scientific development, science would make many changes in the conduct of warfare. “ We have to he careful we do not put a lot of money into the equipment

of the armed forces when that equipment will rapidly go out of date.” ho said. Sound relationship between scientific research and production would be essential in any future war. In a brief reference to the United Nations organisation, Lord Montgomery said it was a big thing to-day, and all the. nations should subscribe to it” 100' per cent. He believed most of the nations to-day would find .it difficult fo fight alone, and, therefore, they would seek allies. DIVISION AS SPEARHEAD Referring to the New Zealand Division’s exploits with the Eighth Army, Lord Montgomery said he used it as a spearhead for a great many battles. The division was the keypoint, and it played a very important part in the pursuit of Rommel in North Africa. On Ins trip from Ohakea to Wellington yesterday he saw numbers- of men working in grey sweaters, .the same, type that he wore in the Middle East, and which was presented to him by Sir Bernard Freyberg. The sight of the jerseys took him back to the old desert, days and his close association with his old comrade. Sir Bernard. New Zealand had not been defen-sively-minded in that she keep ■ her. troops in her country, but had' sent them overseas to fight. New Zealand then realised that her safety, notwithstanding the threat of Japanese invasion. depended on the battles in other spheres. The battle of New Zealand, if there had been one, was fought in other places. Lord Montgomery said he was looking forward to his tour of the Dominion. The country he had seen so far reminded him of Sussex and Ireland. • "YOU MAY SMOKE" Many reports have been published of Lord Montgomery’s dislike of entering a smoky conference room. One of his first remarks when he appeared was:.‘‘Can you smoke in here?” You may smoke if you wish.” The response was immediate.

The Arrival at Ohakea

Although showing some sighs of fatigue, Lord Montgomery appeared fit as he stepped from an Avro York at Ohakea at 2.34 p.m. yesterday after a’flight of six and a-half hours Irom Brisbane. There was no public reception. but he was welcomed'by the Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, on behalf of the Prime Minister. Mr F rascr.. “ 1 am extremely glad to be here,” said Lord Montgomery.. “ It gave me

great pleasure less than half an hour ago to arrive over your coast, and 1 anv*' looking forward to seeing your country in greater detail.” After having afternoon tea he departed by ear for Wellington. So quickly, was the refreshment taken that Lord Montgomery was already en route to Wellington before many officials realised it. Scenes of enthusiasm greeted Lord Montgomery on the road. In front

of every school children were paraded, sometimes with flags, and always hailing, the visitor with enthusiasm. Groups stood in front of farm gates. Maori children were as keen to see the famous visitor as were the pakehas. in the towns practically the entire populations lined the streets. Delight was apparent on every face. Foxton was the first town of any size to voice its collective welcome, and its decoration of the streets whs bettered by none. Until he had passed Levin, Lord Montgomery travelled in jyr open car. His well-known features were instantly recognised. Beyond Levin he transferred to a Vice-Regal car, but at every village and township it slowed down to a walking pace, and he acknowledged, the country people’s tributes with obvious pleasure. When Wellington was reached the route was kept open for the convoy, even the side streets being guarded by constables to prevent ingress. The traffic control was perfect, and at 5.30 p.m. -the official convoy swept qp Government House Drive. The GovernorGeneral, Sir Bernard Freyberg, met Lord Montgomery at the entrance.

PARLIAMENT'S SESSIONS

\yhat : the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, described as a unique opportunity of meeting a distinguished soldier caused the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon to revise its usual sitting hours. _ It will not meet this afternoon following the State luncheon to Lord Montgomery, and will proceed at 7.30 p.m. with the second reading debate on - the Dairy Commission Bill. To-morrow the week’* sittings will end at 3.30 instead of 5.30, this being done so that members of both Houses could meet Lord Montgomery privately in the social hall for the fullest and frankest discussion of matters affecting the "defence of the, British Commonwealth.