HIGH STANDARD

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23545, 4 January 1940, Page 10

HIGH STANDARD

COMMANDER'S GOAL CONFIDENCE IN THE MEN TRADITIONS TO LIVE UP TO [BY TKI.EOR Al'lt —PIIESS ASSOCIATION] WELLINGTON, Wednesday With ontluis|asm and obvious emotion, Wellington returned soldiers accorded Major-General B. C. Freylierg, V.C., a tumultuous welcome at a meeting in the Town Hall concert chamber this evening. They cheered him as ho rose to speak and sang '"For He's a. Jolly Good Fellow." Afterward ho shook hands with men who had served in divisions with which lie had been associated in the last war. Lieutenant-Colonel A. Cowios, president of the Wellington Returned Soldiers' Association, expressed the pleasure felt by ex-soldiers that AlajorGenoral Freyb'erg bad 'been appointed to commune: the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. He would be an inspiration to the younger men. The Hen. W. Perry, president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers' Association, said he was glad to see such a large crowd. He knew they would wish Major-General Krevberg the greatest possible success. •'As J said yesterday, if I don't appear moved by this reception to-night •It neiiet the feelings that are inside me." said Major-General Krevberg. ''Since arriving in New Zealand, what w-.th the kindness shown to me and my work. 1 have deserted all my old friends, but you must remember if i ha\e not been able to come to see you it is not because I did not want to. Referring to his inspections of troops in camp at Burnham. 'lrentham, Ngarunwahia and Papakura, MajorGeneral Freyberg said: "1 think from mv experience that my eye is pretty good, and I can tell you I have been greatly impressed by the stamp of man. by his demeanour on parade and bv his toughness, and 1 am perfectly certain that it will not be for want of trying or want of grit if they do not live up •to the great traditions set tbem. We feel the responsibility. and I know it and I am glacl of it. because it sets us a standard that we must live up to. If we do that it will reflect the greatest credit on the Expeditionary Force and on our country."

TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO HISTORIC REVIEW RECALLED AUCKLAND MAIN BODY The ceremony in the Auek'and Domain yesterday recalled one held on the same ground more than 25 years ago. when, on September 2-'k 1914. a review of the first Auckland section of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force took place. The city's farewell to the troops on that occasion was described as a memorable day in its history. After a general assembly of the men in can in at Epsom. the troops were marched into the city, being given a warm greeting from citizens, and to the Domain, where about 15.000 spectators were assembled. More than 2000 men were reviewed by Colonel C. T. Major, officer commanding the Auckland district, and were addressed by the Prime Minister. Mr. W. F. Massey, and the Mayor. Mr. C. J. Parr. On the return march down Queen Street the contingent was ,cheered every yard of the wav by very large crowds, who thronged footpaths—behind lines of cadets and Boy Scouts—and who had invaded windows, roofs and verandah tops to watch the departing men.