DEFENCE MINISTER

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25275, 12 July 1943, Page 4

DEFENCE MINISTER

ARRIVAL IN NEW CALEDONIA INSPECTION OF FORCES (Official War Correspondent, N.Z.E.F.) NEW- CALEDONIA. :' Confidence in tire fitness of the men of the 3rd New Zealand Division for any task that might be ass.gned to them was expressed by the Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones, after he had seen a portion of the Pacific force in New Caledonia, on his way back to the Dominion. Mr Jones was accompanied by Major-general H. E. Barraclough on an inspection of the ceremonial parade’ here, and watched other elements of the force engaged in tra.ning exercises.

"A most interesting and. helpful trip,” was how Mr Jones described his visit to the Middle East, Britain, Canada, and the United States. The Minister left North Africa just before the final collapse of the Axis forces there. He met both in Africa and Britain New Zealanders oi all three services' and those who were taking part in the direction of the war. All, he said, were greatly heartened by the recent Allied successes in all the theatres of war. Great optimism prevailed in Britain just now at the brilliant success of the bombing raids over Axis territory. Reaction at the news from all fronts was very marked on the people of Britain, whose confidence, even during the period of their greatest trial, was now being justified. There was now not the slightest doubt in England, the Minister stated, that the Allies would win through. Mr Jones paid a tribute to the work of the Air Training Scheme in Canada, which was contributing so much in turning out the a r crews required to maintain’ and- expand the Allied air offensive. Over 50,000 men had been trained already under 1 this scheme. . ~ During his trip from Britain to the Pacific Mr Jones met a number of administrative heads in Washington, including President Roosevelt. Everywhere he went he found a growing spirit of confidence. Nfaw, in the final stages of his journey, tne Minister has been able meet many of the men of the New Zealand Division, which has not yet been tried in battle. The sterling qualities of these troops was shown to him both during the ceremonial parade, which was an impressive display of well-led, disciplined soldiers, and during the course of the exercises which he viewed with General Barraclough later. “ I am very pleased to have had the opportunity of seeing at least some of the men of this division,” Mr Jones said “ The parade and inspection reflected great credit on everyone concerned There is no doubt about the fitness of these men for any job that may be assigned to them in the future. I think they look remarkably ■ fit and I feel sure they will live up to the great reputation established by their mates in other paits ° f The e Minister also visited a field ambulance and spoke with patients in the hospital ward.