SIR ALEXANDER GODLEY

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 79, 16 March 1935, Page 5

SIR ALEXANDER GODLEY

Farewell Message to N.Z. GRATITUDE FOR RECEPTION Tribute to Returned Soldiers (By Telearaph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, March 16. A message from General Sir Alexander Godley on the eve of his departure from New Zealand expresses on behalf of Lady Godley and himself gratitude and thanks for their delightful visit. After 21 years’ absence they had seen many changes and missed many old friends, but the wonderful warmth of the reception and great kindness and hospitality which they received on all sides revived many delightful memories and made them realise more than ever what a beautiful country New Zealand was and what a warmhearted people it contained. They had been struck not only by the expansion of cities and towns but also by the great amount of country which had been developed for farming and cultivation. Sir Alexander Godley could not find words to express the pleasure that it had given him to meet again old comrades of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, also many who served with him in the New Zealand forces before the war. The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association was doing great work and was a most valuable asset to the country. He was deeply impressed by the spirit of comradeship that inspired the good work of the association in its efforts to extend a helping hand to those comrades who were in need of help. It was this spirit of service for others and loyal co-operation which they called the spirit of Anzac, which was conspicuously displayed by soldiers throughout the Great War. It gave Lady Godley great pleasure to meet many who were in her convalescent homes at Zeitoun, Alexandria or Helouan. In saying farewell he wished all ex-service men, all those now serving and the people of New Zealand the best of luck and prosperity. The great desire of Lady Godley and himself was that they might have the good fortune to again revisit this great and favoured country, of which he had the honour to be a returned soldier and of which they both claimed to be in great part citizens.