GENERAL BIRDWOOD

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15973, 15 November 1919, Page 5

GENERAL BIRDWOOD

HIS VISIT TO AUSTRALIA. PLEASANT ANTICIPATIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Received November 15, 9.25 a.m. LONDON, November 14. The Australian Press Association interviewed General Birdwood before his departure for Australia. He said:— My wife and I are looking forward with the most pleasant anticipations to the forthcoming visit. Ever since I met the first of the Australians •in Egypt I have longed to see their homeland. I know it must be a wonderful country to produce such men. The war brought me many Australians whom I count among my warmest friends. I wrote thousands of letters to the relations of the boys, some of whom were in distress, complaining that they had neglected to write home.”' He added that he was going to Australia as Commander-in-Chief and the guest of the Government, but will relinquish the position after his visit. He u;as not aware of the details of the tour, but was confident that he and his wife would have the fullest opportunity of meeting their old friends, their relatives, and also the relatives of gallant men who will never return. General Birdwood is due to arrive at Perth on the 18th December, and will remain with a married daughter until the New Year, wTien he will proceed eastward, Ho will be absent from England about six months. His subsquent movements are uncertain, but there are renewed reports that he may be appointed to the command in India. No arrangements have been made for him to visit New Zealand. A younger daughter accompanies him.