MR. JONES’ RETURN

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 July 1943, Page 6

MR. JONES’ RETURN

INSPECTION OF TROOPS

[Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.]

NEW CALEDONIA

Confidence in the fitness of the’ men of the 3rd New Zealand Division for any task that might be assigned to them was expressed by the New Zealand Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones) after he had seen part of the t Pacific force in New Caledonia, on his way back to the Dominion. Mr. Jones was accompanied by Major-General H. E. Barrowclough on his inspection of a ceremonial parade, and he watched other elements of the force engaged in training exercises. , , . , “A most interesting and helpful trip” was how Mr. Jones described his visit to the Middle East, Great Britain, Canada, and the United States. He left North Africa just before the final collapse of the Axis forces there. Both in Africa and Great Britain he met New Zealanders of all three services, and those who are taking part in the direction of the war. Now, in the final stages of his journey, the Minister has been able to meet’many of the men of the New Zealand Division which has not yet been tried in battle. The sterling qualities of these troops was shown to him both during the ceremonial parade, which was an impressive display of keenly-disciplined soldiers, and in the course of exercises which he saw later.

“I am very pleased to have had the opportunity of seeing at least some of the men of this division,” said Mr. Jones. “The parade and inspection reflected great credit on everyone concerned. There is no doubt about the fitness of these men for any job that is assigned to them in the future. I think they look remarkably fit and I feel sure they will live up to the great reputation established by their mates in other parts of the world.” The Minister also . visited a field ambulance and spoke to patients in the hospital ward.