A DISTINGUISHED OFFICER.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19270, 6 September 1924, Page 11

A DISTINGUISHED OFFICER.

RESIGN® TO ENGAGE IN BUSINESS. COLONEL AVERY’S CAREER. (FflOM Otfß Own Correspondent.) WELLINGTON, September 5. The Defence Department is suffering a great loss through the decision of one of its principal officers. and certainly one of its ablest officers, to resign for the purpose Of engaging in private business. The «fficer referred to is Ooloned H. E. Avery C M.G. D. 5.0., Quartermaster-General of the forces. Though only 38 years of age Colonel Avery has had a distinguished military career. To begin with be Was an amateur soldier. He seven years in the old “D” Battery (Wellington), indndiuff six years in the ranks, and was appointed lieutenant in the New Zealand Staft Corpe on March 17, 1912. He received his captaincy in April, 1914, when he was appointed O.C. No. 1 Group (Nelson). On the outbreak of war he joined the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and served at the front throughout the war with special distinction. Ho finished up jn 1919 a., A.D. and Q.M.G. His work during the war in the Q branch was distinguished because of the ability, thoroughness and tireless energy that He displayed, often under the most trying circumstances. In succeeding Coloilel Hector Reid, a Canadian who nad been at the New Zealand headquarters for some time, and who was the New Zealand A.D. and Q,M.Gr. during the greater part of the wax, lie bad to follow in the footsteps of a very able and efficient staff officer, which he did very successfully. Colonel Avery was appointed staff officer “Q” branch at General Headquarters, and in September, 1920, was selected to represent Now Zealand at the War Office at London, an appointment which he hold until May 31, 1922- During tiiis period he graduated at the Staff College, Camberley. Again returning to New Zealand ho was promoted G.S.O. (Ist Grade), in charge of the “Q” branch at G.H.Q., and finally in January, or this year, he was made Quartermaster-General, General Headquarters,.Now Zealand Military Forces.