PACIFIC DIVISION

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24633, 12 July 1943, Page 2

PACIFIC DIVISION

"FIT FOE ANY JOB" VISIT BY HON. F. JONES (N.Z.E.F. Official War Correspondent) NEW CALEDONIA Confidence in the fitness of the men of the Third New Zealand Division for any task that might he assigned them was expressed by the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, after ho had seen a portion of the Pacific force in New Caledonia on his way back to the Dominion. Mr. Jones accompanied .Major-General 11. K. liarrrtwclough, D.5.0., M.TJ., General Officer Commanding, on an inspection of a ceremonial parade here and watched other elements of the force engaged in exercises. "A most interesting and helpful; trip," was how Mr. Jones described his visit to the Middle Fast, Britain, Canada and the United States. The Minister left North Africa just before the final collapse of the Axis forces there. He met both in Africa and Britain New Zealanders of all three services and those who arc taking part in the direction of the war. All, he said, were greatly heartened by the recent Allied successes in all war theatres. Great optimism prevailed in Britain just now at the brilliant success of bombing raids over Axis territory. Confidence In Victory The reaction to the news from all fronts was very marked on the people of Britain whose confidence even during the period of their greatest trial was now being justified. There was now not the slightest doubt in England, the Minister stated, that the Allies would win through. Mr. Jones paid a tribute to the work of the air training scheme in Canada which was contributing so much in turning out air crews required to maintain and expand the Allied air oflensive. Over -1(1.000 men had been trained already under this scheme. During his trip from Britain to the Pacific. Mi. Jones met a number of administrative heads in Washington, including President Roosevelt. Everywhere lie went be found a growing spirit of confidence. Final Stages of Journey Now in the final stages of his journey the Minister has been able to meet many of the men of the New Zealand Division which has not yet been tried in battle. The sterling qualities of these troops was evident to hi in both during the ceremonial parade, which was an impressive display of well-led, keenlydisciplined soldiers, and in the course of exercises which he viewed with MajorGeneral Barrowclough later. "1 was very pleased to have had the opportunity of seeing at least some of the men of this division," said Mr. Jones. "The parade and inspection reflected great credit on everyone concerned. There is no doubt about the fitness of these men for any job that mav he assigned to them in the future. I think they look remarkably fit and f feel sure they will live up to the great reputation established by their mates in other parts of the world." The Minister also visited the field ambulance and spoke with patients in a hospital ward.

GENERAL FREYBERG VISIT COMPLETED DEPARTURE FOR SYDNEY The General Officer Commanding the Second N.Z.E.F., Lieutenaut-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, \ .C., left Auckland for Sydney by air early on Saturday morning. General Freyberg, who was accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Captain J. C. White, was farewelled at the air base by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, and Mrs. Eraser, and the Minister of Armed Forces and War Co-ordination, the Hon. W. Perry. Air-Commodore M. W. Buckley, M.8.E., Captain C. B. Freyberg, Mr. J. Heenan. I'nder-Sec-retary of Internal Affairs, Mr. A. G. Harper and Mr. and Mrs. White were also present. Discussions which had taken place between Genera! Freyberg and the War Cabinet had been very valuable, said the Prime Minister in a statement. Relating largely to the work of the Division and its future role, the discussions had enabled the War Cabinet to form a more complete picture of what had been done and what the Division would be likely to undertake in the future. The enthusiastic welcomes extended to General Freyberg during his tour, which extended from Invereargill to Auckland, indicated the regard in which he was held by the people, and demonstrated the splendid unitv of the countrv, said Mr. Fraser.

"J can truly say," said the I'rime .Minister, "that New Zealand is to-day more united, more solid and more determined than ever before in the Dominion's history." STRUCK BY TRAIN FIREMAN SERIOUSLY HURT ACCIDENT AT FRANKTON (0.C.) HAMILTON, Sunday A young railway li reman, -Mr. Maurice Annam. of Taumarunui, suffered a fractured spine and head injuries when ho was struck by a railway engine at Frankton. Mr. Annam was a fireman on a goods train which had pulled up on a loop at the Frankton station. He crossed the main line on his way to the refreshment rooms when he was struck by the Taneatua express which was running into the station. Mr. Annam tried to jump on to the cow-catcher, but failed, and he received severe injuries. The injured man was removed to the Waikato Hospital. His condition is fairly serious. SCHOOL BURNED BUILDING NEAR MANGAPEHI (0.C.) TE KUITI, Saturday The Matai camp school, situated about two miles from Horokino, Mangapehi. has been burned to the ground and all the contents destroyed. The 60 children who were attending the school are now being taught in temporary buildings at Tiroa, six miles distant. Kllis and Hnrnand's rnilcar is used for transportation purposes. STOLE CASES OF BEER TWO MEN SENT TO GAOL (0.C.) KAIT.MA. Saturday Three months' imprisonment on the first of seven charges of stealing beer from the Awauui wharf shed was imposed by Mr. Raymond Ferner, S.M., on Nathan Brown, aged 21, and Henry Rivers, aged 18, at Kaitaia. The thefts, which were admitted, occurred between April 'SO and June 13, and involved nine cases and one five-gallon keg. In most instances the accused took the beer to a near by cemetery for consumption. Constable Malloy said that entry to the wharf shed was obtained by tearing out wall boards, through the floor boards and by forcing the door. Both .accused ha<J previously been convicted on other charges and had a bad influence on other natives. Nathan Brown \Vas also charged together with Pat Noble, aged 18, and William Smith, aged IS, with conversion of a motor-truck, which had been wheeled out of a garage, driven through a gate, and later found lying on its side near Kaingaroa and damaged to the extent of £lO. Brown was sentenced to throe months' imprisonment, to be cumulative with tho- other term, while Noble and Smith were each sentenced to two months' imprisonment.