MR. FRASER IN BRITAIN

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 July 1941, Page 6

MR. FRASER IN BRITAIN

FORESTRY CAMP VISITED. LONDON, July 13. Mr. Fraser was driving in a town on the first night of a 12 days’ tour which he is making of England and Wales, when he heard an air raid siren for the first time. The alert lasted for some time, but there was no incident. Mr. Fraser is being accompanied by Mr. Jordan, Rear Admiral Bromley, aand Mr. Berendsen. They visited a camp of the New Zealand Forestry Unit. They received. a deputation 'comprising a Sergeant and three Sappers, who expressed the desire of many members of the Forestry Units for their transfer to the Middle East. The deputation also raised questions of their pay difficulties, their shortage of tobacco. and of recreational facilities,' and their hours and conditions of work. Mr. Fraser promised to consider their requests. Mr. Fraser inspected 200 of the men who were drawn up m a newlymown meadow. Later, the Foresters grouped around Mr. Fraser, while he told them of the exploits of the N.Z.E.F. in Greece, and Crete. Mr. Fraser added: “You boys are doing a fine job. You are front-liners.. You will be needed immediately in the event of an invasion.” Earlier, Mr. Fraser visited the Convent which adopted the New Zealand Foresters Company from the Second Echelon last year. Mr. Fraser also visited H.M.S. “King Alfred” and addressed cadetratings. including 15 New Zealanders, who have served'at least three months at sea. “The Navy has done wonders. There has been nothing finer than their work in Greece and Crete,” he said. Later, Mr. Fraser chatted with the New Zealanders, who asked him many questions about the N.Z.E.F’s exploits in the Middle East. Mr. Fraser intends to see many New Zealanders who are with the Navy and the R.A.F.

SECRET DEVICES. Mr. Fraser, during a two days' tour of coastal defence areas, gained muchvaluable information as to. new secret devices, which he is sending to New Zealand for the benefit of the army there. , . Accompanied by Mr. Jordan and Colonel Park (New Zealand Liaison Officer), Mr. Fraser gained a thorough insight into the British Army’s vast preparations against invasion. He witnessed demonstrations of the use of the latest equipment, . including anti-tank weapons and artillery.. . Mr. Fraser revealed a characteristic flair for detail bv constantly requesing Colonel Park to explain points which would be most valuable lor New Zealand authorities. He closely inspected the new tanks, but was not satisfied until he was given a short run in them over rough country. , . , Mr. Fraser, in a statement, said that he was most impressed with Britain’s power to resist invasion, from which he derived considerable confidence. He congratulated the High Command on the high degree of efficiency, keenness and fitness of all ranks. Mr. Fraser on Saturday, begins the sixth day of his tour, visiting depots where New Zealand airmen and naval personnel are training, and also hospitals where New Zealanders are patients. He is receiving the Freedom of Swansea. . PORTSMOUTH (NCIDENTS. (Rec. 10.35 a.m.) LONDON, July 13. Continuing his tour, Mr Fraser inspected a parade on Nelson’s flagship, Victory, at Portsmouth, including two “Wrens” from New Zealand. Mr Fraser also chatted with three New Zealand trainees at the Royal Naval Barracks. He attended a church parade of British sailors, and shook hands with each member of a large gathering of New Zealand members of the Fleet Air Arm. After lunching with the Portsmouth Commander-m-Chief, Sir William James, Mr Fraser visited a New Zealand patient in the Naval Hospital, also two New Zealand sappers, inmates of the Royai Alexandra Hospital at Cosham. He told a group of New Zealanders he had been informed that no troops in Greece and Crete were more courageous, enterprising, or efficient than the New Zealanders. The people m New Zealand had a trying time, but were upholding the honour of their country. The Empire was determined to do everything possible to defeat the worst tyranny that ever threatened the world. —U.P.A.