THE WAR EFFORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23774, 30 September 1940, Page 9

THE WAR EFFORT

CLOSEE CO-OPEEATION DOMINION AND AUSTRALIA " RETURN OF STAFF CHIEFS Well satisfied with the result of their mission, Major-General Sir John Duigan, Chief of the General Staff, and Group-Captain H. W. L. Saunders, Chief of tho Air Staff, returned by the fiving-boat Awarua yesterday morning after a brief visit to Australia. The object of their visit was to promote closer co-operation in the war effort of tho two countries, and both spoke gratefully of the ready helpfulness of all with whom they had been associated in Australia. ''The visit will lead to closer cooperation in our plans and in every other way," said Sir John. "We found everyone most hospitable and helpful, from the Governor - General, Lord Gowrie, downward, and they could not do enough for us." Sir John spent a considerable part of his time at the Army Headquarters in Melbourne in discussions with the general staff, and he also visited Duntroon Military College, where he found that the 16 New Zealand boys were doings well and had won a good name for themselves. Sir John found Australian authorities wide awake to the needs of the present situation and most eager for co-operation with New Zealand. "A great many of them were commenting on the grand effort that New Zealand is making, and so we are," said Sir John.

Group-Captain Saunders feels that the contacts lie made with Australian Air Force authorities will certainly be most -helpful. "They have a very big Empire air training scheme in force there," he said', and lie visited a number of the larger stations. "There are a lot of things we can learn from them, and some, perhaps, they could learn from us. Their aircraft industry appears to be expanding rapidly. We had useful discussions on details of cooperation. The visit has been a great snecess, and I hope some of their representatives will be able to return it.' Sir John and Group-Captain Saunders returned to Wellington by train last night and will present their reports to the War Cabinet at an early opportunity.

army appointments THE NORTHERN DISTRICT artillery promotions A number of appointments and promotions of officers in the northern military district are notified in the latest issue of the Gazette. In most cases the new ranks became effective from late August or early September. In the New Zealand Temporary Staff, Second-Lieutenant B. C. McArtncy. retired list, has been promoted lieutenant and appointed supply officer at Papakura mobilisation camp. New Zealand Artillery promotions include:—Captain F M. Yendell and Captain (temporary) L. P. Leary, M.C., to be majors (temporary); Lieutenants L. A. Sutcliffe, I). 0. Watson and F. A. Craig, Lieutenant (temnoraryj L. A Johnson and SecondLieutenant J. Bavldon, to bo captains (temporary); Second-Lieutenants H. S. Poper. S. Menzies. P. L. Fenwick, H. J. Wily, P. V."M. Wylde-Browno, F. G. Lintott, J. G. McC'lennan and J. H. Lawton (all temporary), to be lieutenants (temporary). In addition, J. D. Boys (late Royal Garrison Artillery) has been appointed captain (temporary) and posted to the 12th AntiAircraft Battery, Ninth Heavy Regiment, and J. S. Laing has been appointed lieutenant (temporary) and posted to Headquarters, 10th Heavy Reciment.

New Zealand Medical Corps appointments include that of Dr. T. H. Pettit (late captain, N.Z.M.C.) to be captain, northern military district (unattached) .