“SPLENDID BODY OF MEN”

Southland Times, Issue 23947, 13 October 1939, Page 8

“SPLENDID BODY OF MEN”

Troops Addressed By Lord Galway

GREAT TRADITION OF N.Z. DIVISION

EFFICIENT CONDUCT OF MODERN WARFARE

(United Press Association)

■WELLINGTON, October 12.

“I have not the slightest doubt that this division will be a worthy successor of the New Zealand Division in the past and that, if called upon, it will establish a great name and a great tradition,” said the Governor-General (Viscount Galway) in addressing troops at the Central District mobilization camp at Trentham, which he visited today.

“It gives me great pleasure to pay this visit, which I hope will be only the first of several I will make to Trentham to watch the training,” said Lord Galway. “I wish to congratulate all those who have organized the camp and worked so hard to bring the buildings to a state of comfort.

“To you as the first units of the Neto Zealand Division, I give my cordial good wishes. I am delighted to see such a splendid body of men on parade. You are inheritors of a great tradition —a tradition made by New Zealand in the lastftoar. The New Zealand Division was rated as one of the most efficient and earned a high repu-

tation not only for fighting, but for the discipline which it always maintained wherever it was. Everywhere the name of New Zealanders stood high and I am confident you will maintain that tradition. Discipline is of the greatest importance.” MODERN WARFARE War now was different from what it had been 20 years ago, said Lord Galway. There was much more mechanization and men could be moved about with much greater ease and speed. The air had become more important as a field of battle and as a result the taking of cover and the protection of troops had become more important. He was confident that the men of the units in camj} would gain knowledge essential to the efficient conduct of modem warfare.

“I am sure from the spirit which has animated you and from what I have seen of your fine physique and quality that the New Zealand Division of the future will be a magnificent asset to the Empire which you have volunteered to serve,” he said. Lord Galway was accompanied by his aide-de-camp, Captain Lord Dormer, and the Officer Commanding the Central Military District, Colonel E. Puttick. He made a comprehensive tour of the camp before inspecting the troops drawn up on the parade ground. After addressing them he took the salute as they marched past.