SIR JAMES ALLEN.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 17450, 21 April 1920, Page 7

SIR JAMES ALLEN.

WORK DONE DURING WAR. OFFICERS' STRIKING TRIBUTE A striking tribute to the work of Sir James Allen as Minister for Defence is contained in the illuminated address which is to be presented to him by the military officers of the Dominion. The address reads: — "As you now relinquish the office oi Minister for Defence of the Dominion ot New Zealand and lay aside the -heavy burden of responsibility which you have so ably sustained, we, who have had the privilege of serving under you, and who, as soldiers, know and appreciate the value of the services you have rendered to this Dominion and to the Empire, would now endeavour to express to you our admiration of your work aDd our grateful appreciation of the kindly consideration you hav accorded to us all. " During the eight years you have held the office of Minister for Defence, the Defence Forces of New Zealand .have passed through the most eventful period of their history, the fateful years of the Great War, 1914-1919. "The unhesitating and immediate response of New Zealand's best to the call to arms, the building up of an infantry division, a mounted brigade, and an extia infantry brigade, the maintenance oi them at full strength and efficiency in the 1 field, the magnificent fighting record ot our troops, and, at last victory with our forces still at full strength, are mati ters of history, but to your courage, ' ability, and foresight, sir. must be attri- ' buted the administrative foundation upon which these results were built. "We thank you for the conscientious and increasing work you have done for the Department and for those under you. and for the expeditious manner in which you dealt with all matters relating to defence. This will ever be remembered in connection with your administration. " In you we have had the example of . loyalty to ideals, loyalty to superiors, and loyalty to subordinates; and it was the knowledge by your subordinates that you were loyal to them which inspired in • them devoted loyalty to you. This has ! brought about that harmony of purpose and unity of effort which is essential to success. In conclusion, we wish you health, happiness and success in your new arid ■ important appointment of High Commisi sioner for New Zealand in London. ■ " Your loss to the Defence Department . will be keenly felt, but we shall remem- . ber you with gratitude for your loyalty, courage, and firm support.'' ENTERTAINED IN OHRISTCHDRCH. GUEST OF OFFICERS' CLUB. [by TELEGRAPH. — raEss association.J I - , CHRISTCHURCH, Tuesday. Sir James Allen was the guest of the Garrison Officers' Club to-night. Colonels 1 G. J. Smith, Chaff and Creswell speke in eulogistic terms of Sir James Allen's » work during the war period. In responding, the Minister emphasised the necessity of continuing an efficient territorial defence system, not only from the point ci view of the Dominion and the Empire, but also of citizenship and business efficiency. This afternoon Sir James was entertained to afternoon tea by the Canterbury members of Parliament.