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Star (Christchurch), Issue 12636, 22 May 1919, Page 2

For Chronic Chest Complaints, 'Wood?,' Great Peppermint Cure. Praise was given to Sir James Allen for his uork as Minister of Defence in. the war time by the Hon G. AY. Russell at the luncheon given by the Government to Sir Andrew Russell at "Wellington on Saturday. “I wish,” gaid Mr Russell, “to pay my meed of recognition to Sir James Allen for the wore lie has done in this country as Minister of Defence. I feel that this expression can come better from* someone on our side in the politics of the country than from one of his own colleagues. In. pre-war days I had my political scraps with Sir James Allen, but during the time I have been a-Min-ister associated with Sir James Allen in the Government I wish to say that how he has maintained the work that he has put through during the war period lam unable to comprehend. I say that with absolute sincerity, because 1 am a. pretty hard worker myself, as everybody knows. Yet, night after night, Saturdays and Sundays included, when 1 have gone to my bed, 1 hare seen the light going in .Sir James Allen's office. Night and day he has put info this work. I am satisfied that the success of the representatives of Yew Zealand in the fighting line, the continuance of reinforcements you, General Russell, have always had, have been Very .largely due to the initiative, determination and will-power of the Minister of Defence, coupled with the energy and ability of the Headquarters Staff, I p a y this tribute to Sir James Allen with the utmost sincerity, and 1 feel, that the people of New Zealand will yet recognise more fully what, he hac. done for the country. While. me hs.v<j gone through juaiiy strenuous times, while we wav have had. some differences of opinion, yet w© have all felt and feel to-day that the Minister of Defence had only one purpose, that no was single-eyed, and devoted to the object he had in view—to win the warThat object has been achieved,. While we give credit to the General who commanded the Forces, I think it would be churlish oil my part not to give credit fo the Minister of Defence, who has had so much to do with providing the men and material io keep Hie I‘ovces in the field.” (Applause.)