PART IN WAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25300, 6 September 1945, Page 4

PART IN WAR

"A TOWER OF STRENGTH" DOMINION'S GRATITUDE WELCOME ASSURED (S/R.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday "It is, T think, fitting that the successor to the most distinguished Marshal of the Royal Air Force, Sir Cyril Xewall, should be the soldier who has led our famous Seeond Division for more than five years and a-half," said the Prime Minister, Mr Eraser, in announcing in Parliament the choice of General Freyberg as the next Governor-General. "New Zealand will welcome. General Freyberg as one of her own people, for not only have his associations with the Dominion during the war been of the .most intimate kind, but he also grew up and was educated here in Wellington. "His brilliant leadership of the Second New Zealand Division has won him a secure and honoured place in the hearts of the people, equally as it has won him the respect and admiration of a splendid body of lighting men. His gallantry as a soldier and his unsurpassed qualities as a leader of men are known to us all. His great qualities are known best of all to our soldiers who served under his command in Greece, Crete, in the Western Desert and Italy. To them he was not only an inspiring leader in battle, but also a commander whoso interest lay always in the welfare of his men." General Freyberg's record in two wars had been a most distinguished one, con-, tinped Mr Fraser. Many times wounded he held the Empire's highest awards for bravery and his leadership had brought tributes from many of the foremost Allied commanders. To the New Zealand Government whom he had served with the utmost loyalty and devotion to duty General Freyberg had beep a tower of strength at all times. His steadfastness of purpose had never wavered, least of all in the dark days of Greece and Crete. "His efforts and those of the men he led have been universally recognised

as among the decisive factors contributing toward final victory," said Mr Fraser. "It, is with pride that we shall welcome him as our Governor-General." "New Zealand also owes a great debt of gratitude in Lady Freyberg, who lias been so tireless in her work lor the welfare of our men and women overseas. She was always a guiding influence in the organisation of our forces' clubs and leave centres for our troops. ■ "I am sure that I speak lor all New Zealand people, Maori and pakeha alike, when 1 say that Sir Bernard and Lady Freyberg will be assured of a very warm welcome in New Zealand," the Prime Minister concluded. _ There was warm applause from both sides of tho House. Tho Leader of the Opposition, Mr Holland, in endorsing all the Prime Minister had had to say about the qualities of General Freyberg, added that the announcement woidd he welcomed by all in the country. The New Zealand Government should be complimented on a very wise choice. "We claim General F rev berg as a New Zealander," Mr Holland said, "and when he returns to this country with honours thick upon him, he will be welcomed by every person as a fitting and proper person for this high office. Just as wholehearted will he tho welcome to Lady Freyberg, who has done magnificent work among the New Zealand forces, both on the welfare side and in clubs." Mr Frast r lias sent the following telegram to General Freyberg: "On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I offer a most cordial message of greetings and congratulations upon your appointment as Gover-nor-General'of New Zealand. Your great services in two wars, your association with our country, and your most distinguished leadership of the Second N.Z.E.F. have already won for you a secure place in the hearts of all our people, Maori and pakeha alike. I can assure you that a very warm welcome here awaits Lady Freyberg and yourself." Under tho Civil List Act, 1920, the Governor-General receives an honorarium of £SOOO per annum, an allowance of £2OOO per annum for the salaries and expenses of his establishment (exelusive of the official secretary) and an allowance of £SOO per annum for travelline expenses.

Biographical sketches of Sir Bernard and Lady Freyberg are on page 7.