VICTORY IN WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22024, 2 February 1935, Page 14

VICTORY IN WAR

VALUE OF THE SOLDIER GENERAL GODLEY'S VIEWS „[BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Friday Loyalty to the soldiers who man the trenches in time of war was the keynote of General Sir Alexander Godley's comments on defence when interviewed this morning. "There is a 'Jot of talk about wars being won from the air." he said, "but wars will never be won by aeroplanes, tanks or mechanism. The man with a rifle has always counted, and will always count when wars have to be won." deferring to defence in Great Britain General God ley said everybody was pleased at the expansion of the Air Force. The general feeling was that Great Britain had done far more than her share toward bringing about limitation of armaments and that the time had now arrived for her to take steps to ensure that the great example she had iset other nations in that direction does not prove a danger to herself.

For that reason the expansion of the Air Force is welcomed and military action toward further mechanisation and improved coastal defences is being undertaken. There is not the slightest suggestion of compulsory military training in Great Britain. The territorial forces are holdine their own and securing a fair number of recruits.

CIVIC RECEPTION TENDERED ItONDS OF COMRADESHIP ! [BY TELEGRAPH —PHESS ASSOCIATION'] WELLINGTON, Friday A civic reception was accorded to-day to General Sir Alexander Godley, who commanded the N.Z.E.F. in tha Great War. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. T. C. A. Hislop, and also the Hon. W. Perry, referred to the important service given by Genera] Godley in laying the foundation of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force in the war. General Godley, in replying, said he and Lady Godlev felt really at home in Wellington after their many years' absence. He paid a sterling tribute to the qualities of New Zealand soldiers and isaid he supposed there never was such a bond of comradeship between armies as existed between those from Australia and New Zealand. Ho hoped and felt, sure that the Anzac spirit would enduire in this Dominion for all time.