Fraser, On Tour Of Britain, Hears Sirens Sound

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1941, Page 4

Fraser, On Tour Of Britain, Hears Sirens Sound

LONDON, July 13. When driving into a town on the first night of a touf of England and Wales, the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr. Fraser) heard an air raid siren for the first time. The alert period lasted for a while, but was without incident. Mr. Fraser is being accompanied on his tour by the High Commissioner for New Zealand in London (Mr. W. J. Jordan), the reception secretary to the Dominion Office (Rear-Admiral A. Bromley) and the permanent head of the New Zealand Prime Minister’s Department (Mr. C. A. Berendsen). ' In the course of a visit to a camp of the New Zealand Forestry Unit, Mr. Fraser received a deputation made up of a sergeant and three sappers, who expressed the desire of many of the foresters for a transfer to the Middle East. The deputation also raised questions of pay difficulties, shortage of tobacco, recreation facilities, and hours and conditions of work. Mr. Fraser promised to consider the requests.

Sappers Inspected

The Prime Minister inspected 200 of the foresters, who were drawn up in a newly-mown meadow. Later, when they had grouped themselves round him, he told them of the exploits of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Greece and Crete. He added: “You boys are doing a fine job. You are in the front line and will be needed immediately in the event of an invasion.” Earlier Mr. Fraser had visited a convent which “adopted” a company of the Second Echelon troops last year. N.Z. Naval Cadets

The Prime Minister also visited the naval training establishment known as H.M.S. King Alfred;, and addressed cadet ratings. They included 15 New Zealanders who have served at least three months at sea. “The navy has done wonders,” said Mr. Fraser. “There has been nothing finer than their work in Greece and Crete.”

Later he talked with the New Zealand cadets, who asked many questions about the exploits of the New Zealand troops in the Middle East. Mr. Fraser intends to see many of the New Zealanders who are serving with the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. He will also visit hospitals where New Zealanders are patients, and will receive the freedom of Swansea when he is in that city. Secret Devices

During a two-days’ tour of the coastal defence areas of Britain prior to his present tour. Mr. Fraser gained much valuable information about new secret devices, which he is sending to New Zealand for the benefit of the army there.

He was accompanied by Mr. Jordan and the New Zealand liaison officer in Britain (Colonel Parks). Mr. Fraser, gained a thorough insight into the army’s vast preparations

against invasion, and witnessed demonstrations in the use of the latest equipment, including anti-tank weapons and artillery. He revealed his characteristic flair for attention to detail, and constantly requested Colonel Parks to explain points which would be most vaiuaole for the N ;*v Zealand authorities.

The Prime Minister closely inspected the new tanks, but was not satisfied until he was given a sh jrc run in one of them over rough country. In a statement he said he was most impressed with Britain’s power to resist invasion, from which he had derived considerable confidence. He congratulated the High Command on the high degree of efficiency, keenness and fitness of all ranks. Fleet Air Arm Anzacs

Continuing his tour, Mr. Fraser inspected a parade on Nelson’s flagship, the Victory, at Portsmouth, including two “Wrens” from New Zealand. Mr. Fraser also chatted with three New Zealand trainees at the Royal Naval barracks and attended a church parade" of British sailors. He shook hands with each member of a large gathering of New Zealand Fleet Air Arm members. After lunching with the Commander-in-Chief of Portsmouth (Sir W. M. James), Mr. Fraser visited a New Zealand patient in the naval hospital and also two New Zealand sappers. who were inmates of the Royal Alexandra hospital at Cosham.

He told a group of New Zealanders that he had been informed that there were no troops in Greece or Crete more courageous, enterprising and efficient than the New Zealanders. The people l'n the Dominion had had a trying time, but were upholding the honour of their country and the Empire, and were determined to do everything possible to defeat the worst tyranny that had ever threatened the world.