DOMINION'S PRIDE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25193, 4 May 1945, Page 6

DOMINION'S PRIDE

MESSAGES TO LEADERS COURAGE REWARDED HARD FIGHT TO VICTOR® THE CROWNING TRIUMPH (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Thursday On receipt of the news of the unconditional surrender of the German forces in Italy and Western Austria the following telegrams were sent by , His Excellency the , Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall: — To Field-Marshal Sir Harold Alexander, Supreme Allied Commander in the Mediterranean. —"1 send you most sincere congratulations on the crushing defeat you have inflicted on the enemy, resulting in the final surrender of all the German forces in Italy and a considerable portion of Austria. Your inspiring leadership throughout the past years lias made history, and lias culminated, as we were all confident it would, in overwhelming victory, the tidings of which will bring relief and joy throughout the Empire." Always in Forefront To Lieutenant-General Sir Bernard Freyberg, Commander of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force. — "To you and all ranks, past and present, of the Second New Zealand Division, I express my profound admiration for the magnificent part you have all played since the beginning of the war and in the final total defeat of the German forces in Italy. When Britain was menaced by invasion, in Greece, Crete, North Africa and Italy, you have always been in the forefront of the battle and in each phase you have added lustre to the name of Anzac. The news of your recent splendid victory has brought much relief and great joy to every home in New Zealand. My best wishes to vou all."

The acting-Prime Minister, Mr Nash, said today that the Prime Minister. Mr Fraser, at San Francisco had been kept fully informed- of developments and had sent the following message to General Freyberg and the Division: — "I send New Zealand's and my own warmest congratulations and heartfelt thanks \o you. your officers and men upon the glorious conclusion of your task in Europe." Brilliant Commanders Mr Nash added that the following messages had since been sent: — To General Freyberg.—"The heart of every New Zealander is overflowing with today's news, with relief that the stub-t born campaign through rough country and bitter weather is ended, .and with pride that New Zealanders, who always shared in the hard going, should have been triumphantly at the spearhead of the victory. We are proud beyond words of our men and their commander. To you, their great, commander, add to them we extend our deepest gratitude

To Field-Marshal Alexander. —"With pride and admiration the Government and people of New Zealand offer our congratulations to you and the magnificent officers and men under your command. The culmination in brilliant complete victory of a campaign which has been characterised by stubborn, continuous and courageous effort is a tribute to your masterly direction. We are especially conscious of your skill in organising and harmoonising the forces of many natins so that each has made his finest effort to achieve a common goal. The New Zealanders have been proud to serve under you." Eighth Army's Record To Lieu tenant-General Sir Richard McCreery, Commander of the Eighth Army.—"At this historic decisive moment in the war in Europe the Government and people of New Zealand recall with pride the association of their Division with the Eighth Army. From El Alameiu through North Africa and Italy to Austria tliia army has written a glorious page in the history of warfare. To you and your predecessors in command, Field-Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery and General Sir Oliver Leese, we pay tribute for your gallant inspired leadership and extend our warm thanks and gratitude for all that you and they have done." The Minister of Defence, Mr Jones, has also sent a message to General Freyherg. DUNEDIN DEMONSTRATION PROCESSION OF WORKERS (P.A.) DUNEDIN, Thursday Scenes reminiscent of the end of the last war were seen in Dunedin this morning, when nearly 1000 employees of the Hillside Hail way Workshops staged a spontaneous demonstration in celebration of the end of the war in Italy. The workers informed the management of their desire to have a procession through the street and then departed for the city, headed by a scratch band. They finally assembled at the Town Hall, where they were welcomed -by the Mayor, Mr D. C. Cameron, who commended them on their spirit. Although public buildings were decked in flags, no other signs of enthusiasm were shown in the city, and the railwaymen's demonstration attracted comparatively little attention or support from the public. HAMILTON TRANSIT CAMP (0.C.) HAMILTON, Thursday Approval has been received from the Minister of Finance, Mr'Nash, of the proposal of the Hamilton Borough Council to construct an emergency housing camp at Snake Gully, No. 1 Bridge, Hamilton. The camp was formerly used by the Air Force, and the council has borrowed £BBOO to transform the buildings into suitable dwellings.