VISIT TO TROOPS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24134, 28 November 1941, Page 8

VISIT TO TROOPS

ME. HOLLAND'S HOPES DESIRE OF THE PARtY [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION"] CHRISTCHURCH, Thursday The expectation that he would lie able to visit the "New Zealand Experitionary Force in the Middle East after his visit to Great Britain was mentioned to-day by the Leader of - the Opposition, Mr. S. G. Holland, when speaking to the Christchurch _NortH committee of the National Party. He said the Prime Minister, the Hi. Hon. P. Fraser, and tlie -Minister of' Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, were anxious that his return to New Zealand should be made via the Middle East, and if it were possible they would make the arrangement. Mr. Holland said he was looking forward greatly to his trip. He hoped to go to America by sea and then to fly across the United States. and the Atlantic to Britain, and to Middle East on his way back to pe Dominion. Naturally to a soldier a visit to the troops would be a great incident. The expenses of the trip were being met by the Empire Parliamentary Association. but it might- cost the Government and the National Partv something. When he was .in Auckland cently a deputation from the National Party had informed him that he had _ to return via the Middle East. It; the Parliamentary Association or the Government would not permit the expense lie was to take an aeroplane to the Middle East, even if it cost £.500. : U T have just completed a three weeks tour of ithe country and everywhere there is the keenest desire that 1 should visit the Middle East." said Mr. Holland. He added that Mr. L. G. Lowry, the Government's representative on the trip, was to visit Canterbury next week and they would inspect defence works so that thev would know more about New Zealand's war effort before they left for England.