GREAT EXAMPLE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23545, 4 January 1940, Page 9

GREAT EXAMPLE

QUALITIES OF MEN INSPIRATION TO PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN LEADER NATION'S HIGH TRADITIONS Tributes to tho spirit of. the troops in volunteering for service, and to their linn bearing and appearance, were paid in farewell speeches at tho ceremonial parade at- tho Domain yesterday. Stress was laid on tho sterling qualities of their leader, Major-General B. C. Freyborg, V.C., and, in wishing tho men Godspeed, speakers expressed confidence that they would emulate the deeds of their predecessors. "Beforo leaving the northern military district, may I congratulate you on the progress you have made toward fitting yourselves for the very difficult and arduous task you have undertaken." said Colonel N. W. McD. Weir, officer commanding the northern military district, in addressing tho troops. "Recent events on sea and in tho air have demonstrated without any doubt that the New Zealander of your generation, given good training and leadership, need call no man his master in tho grim art of war. "Good Luck and Every Success" "From what I have seen, I know that when your turn comes you will attain the high standard sot for you 2f> years ago—a standard which has rarely been equalled and certainly never excelled. Throughout your future training and in the acid test of your first engagement, 1 wish good luck and every success to one and all of you." Expressing on behalf of the citizens of Auckland appreciation and gratitude for the self-sacrifice of the troops, the Mayor, Sir Ernest Davis, said they were worthy successors to the first New Zealand Expeditionary Force. They would forge yet another instrument for a lasting peace which, rightly, was the supremo war aim of tho Allied Powers. The Soldiers' Example "We are justifiably proud of your close association with this great objective," Sir Ernest continued, "knowing that you realise, as we do, that the restoration of European liberty and amity is dependent upon the overthrow of the thraldom of inhuman German aggression, with its tyranny and megalomania of power. To us, your example is an inspiration which will evoke from the civilian population a willingness to make sacrifices matching, if possible, your own." Congratulating the troops and their officers on the excellent results obtained, Sir Ernest said their bearing demonstrated the manner in which they had responded to training. This was an historic, if solemn, da3 T for all present. They could be certain that their welfare would be the constant concern of those at home, and that all looked forward to their return. "We Shall Not Fail You" "Well do 1 understand tho over-whelming-feelings of your next-of-kin," Sir Ernest said, . "but while you are away fighting our battles and theirs it will be our job to take care of the dear ones you leave behind. You have not failed' us. Neither shall we fail you. From the people of Auckland I wish you Haere-ra and Kia Ora. May Almighty God prosper your arms and preserve you, for your loved ones and for us." Representing the Government, the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, said he had come to farewell the men who were shortly leaving for Wellington. He knew probably, as well as any one man the issue at stake. As a member of the Government, and through his recent visit to London, he knew that everything possible had been done to avoid conflict. Durinc his .visit to Germany lie had come to know many Germans, and also the mind behind the German Government. That mind was not properly understood even by the German people. German Threat to Freedom "This mind would destroy all we love, all we revere, all that has been built up in the English-speaking world, and in all countries that love democracy and freedom," Mr. Nash continued. It should be remembered that the men in charge of Germany to-day had broken up every combination of workers, confiscated newspapers, broken trades unions, and destroyed the possibility even of conversation between man and man without the fear of the concentration camp. While England was negotiating with Russia before tho war to preserve peace, the enemy was working at the back door with plans for aggression. Praise ior General Freyberg All hoped that they would not have to fight long, Mr. Nash said, but tlic\ were determined to end this aggression, fear and suspense. That determination would remain constant until liberty and peace had been secured for all peoples of the world. "We go with you in heartland mind," Mr. Nash added. "] trust that you will behave like New Zealandcrs and live up to your great traditions and to the reputation of the magnificent leader who has been 'chosen. I have never met a more thorough man nor one who better exemplified the virtues of courage and humility in his own character. I have never met a more gallant soldier."