GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT TO ISLANDS

Southland Times, Issue 24764, 8 June 1942, Page 4

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S VISIT TO ISLANDS

INSPECTION OF DEFENCE FORCES rp a ) WELLINGTON, June 7. The Governor-General (Sir Cyril Newall), attended by Major HollandMartin, returned to New Zealand yesterday from a short visit to Fiji, Tonga, Western Samoa and American Samoa. His Excellency left Auckland by air on Monday, May 25, and reached Suva that afternoon, where he was the guest of the Governor, Sir Harry Luke. Sir Cyril Newall spent several days on a tour of inspection of the New Zealand troops and airmen. In the course of these inspections he was able to see a very large majority of the New Zealanders stationed in the colony and speak to a great many of them personally. He was very much impressed hv fbe efficiency and fitness of the men in all three services and before leaving Fiii he sent the following messages to the officers of all ranks of the Army: — “It has been a great pleasure to have been able to visit Fiji and see so many of the New Zealand soldiers who are serving here. I want to congratulate you all on your bearing and fitness, on the work which you have already done here and on the resource with which all ranks adapted themselves to local conditions. New Zealand and the whole British Empire is very proud of the vital part you all are playing in the defence of these islands and in the preparation for the advance to victory and the total defeat of our enemies. There can be no doubt you will continue to keep fit and give of your best in the service of your King and country. Mv best wishes to you all. Similar messages were sent to the other serVl Sir Cyril inspected defence forces stationed at Tonga and at Western q a mna He took part m the celebration of the King’s Birthday at Apia. He returned to Suva via Pago Pago and was delayed in Fiji by unfavourable weather until Friday evening.