N.Z. War Effort Praised

Northern Advocate, 26 July 1943, Page 5

N.Z. War Effort Praised

Incidents and experiences of his recent five months’ tour of war theatres, in the course of which he travelled ever 50,00 C miles by air, were recounted by the Minister for Defence (Mr F. Jones) in a broadcast address. Everywhere he had gone he had found the highest praise for New Zealand’s war effort, Mr Jones said. Their Majesties the King and Queen had made appreciative reference to the part the Dominion was playing and had recalled incidents associated with their visit to New Zealand. “Wing-Commander Alan Deere, D. 5.0., D.F.C. and Bar, of Wanganui, is considered one of the leading fighter pilots,” said Mr Jones, recalling his visits to lighter stations in the south of England. “It was another great privilege to meet SquadronLeader J. F. Barr*on, D. 5.0., D.F.C., D.F.M., cf Wellington, who has taken part in over 60 operations over enemy country.’’ The skill and endurance of factory workers, particularly women, in Britain was _ marvellous, Mr Jones said. One woman he met told him that with travelling time she worked altogether 14 hours a day, kept house for three children and did her own shopping. Visits to naval stations where New Zealanders were serving showed how excellently they got on with their British comrardes. The forestry companies were doing great work and their only grievance was being out. of the fighting. In the Middle East he met the men of the New Zealand Division and visited the sick and wounded in the hospitals.