APPOINTMENT EXTENDED

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 5 January 1935, Page 4

APPOINTMENT EXTENDED

COMMANDER OF N.Z. FORCES. REMODELLING OF DEFENCES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.'^ WELLINGTON, Jan. 4. The Government has decided to extend for two years the appointment of Major-General Sir William SinclairBurgess as general officer commanding the New Zealand military forces. Sir William was selected, to fill this office for four years from April 1, 1931, and was due to retire on A.pril 1 this year. "When making the announcement the Hon. J. G. Cobbe, Minister of Defence, spoke highly of the general’s services, emphasising the efforts lie had made to build up the territorial force into an efficient military body. Referring to the work of remodelling and strengthening the defences of the country, which had been going on quietly for several months past, Mr Cobbe said that very shortly now much new plant would have arrived in the Dominion ready for assembling. “Quite apart,” the Minister stated, “from his services in other directions the Government would have been unwise to allow itself to be bereft of the invaluable assistance Sir William can give in bringing to a proper conclusion its defence plans.”