GENERAL GODLEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17092, 25 August 1917, Page 10

GENERAL GODLEY

DEFENCE BY SIR JOSEPH WARD. A HIGH TRIBUTE. (Fbom Ode Own Correspondent.) - WELLINGTON, August 24." "I do not question the motives of the two members who have made references to General Godley in this House," said Sir Joseph Ward to-night. "The members are entitled to their opinions, but I want to say that I was responsible for the appointment of General Godley in' the Defence Forces of this country. I had a great deal to do with him when the Territorial system was being established, and I can say with every confidence that for tact, diplomacy, sympathy, and care in the exercise of very difficult and delicate operations I have not met his superior. It is my opinion that the members who heard these rumours at the front—and I will say that Mr Massey and I heard them also—should have written to the Minister of Defence on the subject." Mr Parr: I wrote to the Prime Minister.

Sir Joseph Ward: I was not aware oi that.. I think that the complaint should have been placed before the Defence Minister or the Prime Minister, and that the document should have been sent to General Godley 'n order that he might report upon it. I do not' believe that any man should be condemned unheard. I feel that when a matter of the kind is discussed publicly in time of war there is a great probability of affecting the morale, of the men under General Godley. The statements are bound to be read in the trenches by men whose lives are at the disposition of the officer who is being attacked. Mr Lee: How about the feelings of their mothers?

Sir Joseph Ward: That has to be considered, but in time of war I think General Godley should have had the opportunity of reporting on the statement, and then the Minister should have had the opportunity of carefully considering the position and bringing it before his oolleagues when he had' decided what should be done, -if anything. Mr. Massey and I heard some of those rumours that were going about among tho men at the front. We heard nothing that in any way reflected upon the courage of General Godley. An unpopular officer may be a very good officer. Marlborough was hated by his officers and men, but he was followed, and he • succeeded. I regard General Godley •as a brave soldier and a good soldier. \