GENERAL GODLEY CRITICISED.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LX, Issue 17067, 21 August 1917, Page 5

GENERAL GODLEY CRITICISED.

HIS REMOVAL URGED

DISCUSSION IN PARLIAMENT

(Per Press Association.) WIiiJuLIiNUTON, August 2 0

In the House ol: Representatives on Friday evening, Mr. C. J. Parr, member for Auckland, General Godley, whose retention in the high command he regretted, because he enjoyed neither the respect or confidence 01 the men. There was widespread hostility towards General Godley, and lie claimed that the Government should not ignore the fact. But for the fine service of Generals Russell und Richardson the excellent morale of our army would never have been maintained. His «.taff appointments was one of the grounds of General Godley's unpopularity. He was insisting upon appointing young Englishmen of high social standing in preference to New Zealanders. General Godlev owed all the honours recently conferred on him to his association with New Zealand, and he ought to give our young men a chance to learn staff work. These decorations were also the cause of discontent, and as he was convinced that General Godley did not hold either the respect or esteem of officers or men, he contended that the Minister should endeavour to have him promoted to another command and bring our men under General Birdwood, thereby maintaining the glorious association formed at Gallipoli between . that officer and the Anzacs.

Mr. Jennings dealt with the question of granting commissions in the New Zealand army. Some men, ho said, seemed to have no difficulty in getting commissions, while others could not get them at all. In ris connection he regretted there was an impression abroad that influence at Wellington had a good deal1 to do with this. Such a thing should not be, as it was fatal to discipline and was one of the things that had raised so much discontent in Australia. He deprecated the tendency to swagger among certain officers, but repudiated the suggestion that it affected the New Zealand army generally, which was animated by such high character that not three per c^nt ha«l disgraced the uniform by improper conduct. '

Mr. McCallum regretted the attackon General Godley by Mr. Parr. General Godley was an Imperial oiTicer, and JNew Zealand had no f-nntrol over him. Great Britain paid him and had all to do: with his disposition. The speaker admitted that General Godley was unpopular, but that was because he did his duty. He was not at the front to gaiii popularity. He was there to look after the health and welfare of the men, and this he did to the last degree. Therefore the criticism levelled against him was extreme! r regrettable.