THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25941, 6 September 1945, Page 4

THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL

The intimation that Lieutenantgeneral Sir Bernard Freyberg has been appointed to the office of Governor-General of New Zealand, in succession to Sir Cyril Newall, will excite the liveliest interest throughout the Dominion. The appointment, the likelihood of which was hinted at several months ago, is exceptional in that the GovernorGeneral designate has already had contacts with New Zealand so intimate as to have made his name a word in the community. His residence at Government House will make him a neighbour of the school, Wellington College, in which he was educated. But a closer tie between himself and the Dominion was created when, six years ago, he became commander-in-chief of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force that was engaged in the war against the Axis Powers in Africa and Europe. The bestowal of this command on him was widely acclaimed as a recognition of his prowess as a brave and experienced soldier, and the justification of it was afforded in the brilliance with which he conducted the campaigns that were undertaken by the troops under him. It goes without saying that General

Freyberg will be warmly greeted by the people of the Dominion when he arrives here early next year to assume the duties of the King’s representative. The officers and men of the New Zealand forces whom he has led will no doubt be specially delighted to welcome him. They may perhaps consider, with some justice, that a tribute to their own military achievements is involved in the civil honour which is being conferred on their distinguished leader.