SIR IAN HAMILTON.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXV, Issue 16569, 5 June 1914, Page 9

SIR IAN HAMILTON.

DEPARTURE FOR ENGLAND. COMPLIMENTS FOR NEW ZEALAND. " AN EARTHLYPARADISE.’* [Peu muss Association.] WELLINGTON, June 4. General Sir lan Hamilton, InspectorGeneral of the Overseas Forces, leaves by the R.M.S. Ruahine this evening for London, accompanied by his staff offi- , cers. Asked by a reporter whether he had any farewell message to givo to New Zealand people and to the New Zealand army, Sir lan Hamilton said:— “ I think New Zealand is an earthly paradise and all the people have to do is to take the necessary measures to exclude the serpents. They will i know best what I mean by that, and ' there is really little more to be said. . I have done over 3000 miles in* New Zealand itself, and much of the wonder--1 ful kindness I have received I have been able to traco back to my comrades of the South African war. It is they who have taken the lead in strewing m.v arduous path with the roses of welcome. To them especially I would now wish to pay my small tribute of grateful recognition. As to the New Zealand army, they will probably see m.v report in duo course, and I hopo they will realise when they do that I tried to live up to their repeated exhortation to me to speak the truth and shame the devil. Only I have tried to do it nicely.” Sir .lan Hamilton handed in his report upon the New Zealand Defence Forces to the Hon Jamos Allen, Minister of Defence, to-day. Its contents will probably not bo made known for some days, and the public meanwhile win have to rest content with Sir lan’s assurance that he has been candid in his criticism and advice.