Fraser To Visit Italy

Northern Advocate, 23 May 1944, Page 5

Fraser To Visit Italy

(Rec. 11 a.m.) LONDON, May 22, The New Zealand Prime Minister ( Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) plans before his return to New Zealand to visit Italy to see General Freyberg and the New Zealand Division,

Mr. Fraser announced to-day that elements of the division—armoured units manning Sherman tanks are taking an important part in the present drive towards Rome.

They led the British infantry into Gassina last week and in Liri Valley they carried out another of the left hook movements that helped to make New Zealanders famous in North Africa.

Exactly three years ago New Zealanders were in the thick of the fighting. It is the same division, except for replacements due to casualties, that is now in action on the Italian front. Mr. Fraser will see the New Zealanders in completely different cii-' cumstanccs. They now form one of the most heavily armoured, most hardy and most seasoned divisions of the Allied forces. Thousands of New Zealand airmen also are fighting in the European war, and Mr. Fraser plans to visit as many of their stations as possible. Calls in London During the week-end, Mr. Fraser again talked with Major General H. K. Kippcnberger, who is undergoing final treatment ar St. Mary's Hospital. Rcehampton, Outer London, and is expected to be able to walk again within a few weeks. Mr. and Mrs. Fraser and Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Jordan also paid a visit to the Royal Air Force Hospital, where they talked with a number of sick and injured New Zealand airmen. In addition, they attended a rally of the Girls’ Life Brigade at the Royal' Albert Hall, with the British Minister for Health (Mr. Ernest Brown) in tlu> chair, and on behalf of the Auckland division of the brigade, Mr. Fraser accepted a shield won by the Auckland girls, who tied for first place in the international Friendship Competition. The Prime Minister also received the brigade’s Distinguished Service Medal on behalf cl Mis c Clare Hine, a member of the company attached to the Epsom Baptist Church. Miss Hine had been granted the medal “in recognition of life-saving at great personal risk.” Mr. Fraser and his staff are continuing consultations and discussions with, various British authorities.