GENERAL FREYBERG

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25275, 12 July 1943, Page 2

GENERAL FREYBERG

DEPARTURE FROM DOMINION TRIBUTE TO PATRIOTIC FUND (P.A.) AUCKLAND, July 10. General Sir Bernard Freyberg, V.C., left Auckland this morning "for Sydney. In a message relative* to General Freyberg’s visit, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, said that his discussions with the War Cabinet had been most valuable. They related to the work of the division and its future role. The enthusiastic welcomes extended to General Freyberg indicated the regard the people held for him. It was abundantly clear that the people had the same confidence in the general as had the War Cabinet.

In a final message General Freyberg referred to the achievements of the Patriotic Fund Board. He had been surprised to learn during his visit to the Dominion that there had been members of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East who had written home praising the Y.M.C.A. or the Red Cross and stating that they had received nothing from the patriotic funds. The organisations mentioned had done magnificent work, but they were not the principals in the provision of welfare services. They and kindred organisations were the agents.pf the Patriotic Fund Board, and it was from the patriotic funds that they obtained the money to carry on their work. V The people of New Zealand need have no fear that the forces are not deriving the utmost benefit,from the contributions to the patriotic fiends,” said General Freyberg. “So far as the division in the Middle East is concerned, I attach great importance to the help given from the funds. The establishment of the New Zealand Forces Club in Cairo, the N.Z.E.F. Times, and the Kiwi concert party have meant a great deal, and in many other ways the troops have benefited from the funds, such as in the provision of writing paper and football and cricket gear. I can assure the people of New Zealand that the welfare services are recognised as the best in" the Middle East.