STATE LUNCHEON

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25552, 3 June 1944, Page 6

STATE LUNCHEON

COMMANDER’S TRIBUTE TO NEW ZEALANDERS (P.A.) WELLINGTON, June 2. An enthusiastic reception was accorded Admiral Halsey at a State luncheon to-day. The Acting Prime Minister, Mr D. G. Sullivan, presided. A gift from the Government of a New Zealand-made travelling rug was made by Mr Sullivan, who also asked Admiral Halsey to accept for Mrs Halsey a set of teaspoons, made by New Zealand disabled returned servicemen from silver from the Waihi mines and inlaid with paua shelL Replying to the toast of his health, which was proposed by Mr Sullivan, Admiral Halsey said he had never had more pleasant service anywhere in his life than in the South Pacific area. A South Pacific fighting team had been created, and those who belonged to that team had nothing to apologise for. He had been most fortunate to be the head of that team, whose work would go down in history. Admiral Halsey said that the heroism, courage, and determination displayed had been beyond all praise. He could not praise the men of the Royal New Zealand Air Force too highly for the work they had done. The New Zealand troops, naval men, and airmen had been splendid everywhere they had been in this war and the last war. Nothing gave him greater pleasure than to know that he had New Zealanders with him.