DOMINION TROOPS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21047, 26 February 1940, Page 8

DOMINION TROOPS

NEW ZEALAND PARADE GENERAL’S TRIBUTE ENEMIES DISCOURAGED (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) CAIRO, Feb. 24 The New Zealand troops had their first ceremonial parade without a rehearsal when they marched past Lieutenant-General Sir Archibald Wavell in fine style, in the face of a fierce wind and rain. General Wavell congratulated them on their smart and business-like appearance. “I cannot tell you your ultimate destination,” said General Wavell, “but do not be disappointed if you have to wait some time for action. Your arrival has discouraged our enemies and made war less probable.” To Meet Any Aggression Air Marshal Sir William Mitchell, air officer commanding-in-chief in the Middle East, said in a broadcast speech that Britain and Egypt were building a combined force ready and equipped to meet any aggression in the Near East or Middle East. Royal Air Force squadrons would soon have new types of high-pow-ered bombers and fighters, which would surpass the high performance of existing types. American factories were producing over 1000 aeroplane engines a month in 1940. “With these added to British production, there is virtually no limit to the number of aeroplane engines at our disposal,” he said. Tribute By Mr Chamberlain In a speech at Birmingham the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, evoked prolonged cheers when he paid a tribute to the Dominions. “Germany, before the war, believed that the Dominions would not support us,” said Mr Chamberlain. “Germany has been gloriously disappointed.

“Men and munitions from all parts of the Empire are daily adding to our strength. The Dominions Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, after his visit to the Anzacs, has given me an enthusiastic account of the bearing and efficiency of these first-class fighting men. “Canadians also are here. When we think that these men travelled thousands of miles, leaving their parents, wives and even young children, we are profoundly impressed by the moral greatness of the cause inspiring so intense a conviction of its righeousness. “New Zealand, Australia and South Africa are supplying us with half the world’s normal wool exports. Australia and Canada have sent us since the outbreak of the war 4,000,000 tons of wheat.” DONATION OF £IOOO SHIPOWNERS’ COMMITTEE (By Teletrraiifc. —rress Association) WELLINGTON, Sunday The National Patriotic Fund Board has received £IOOO for patriotic purposes from the Overseas Shipowners Allotment Committee, Wellington. The letter from the committee stated that its cheque for £IOOO was a joint donation on beljalf of the lines associated with the committee, namely, the Port Line, Limited, Shav*, Savill and Albion Company Limited, New Zealand Shipping Company Limited, Federal Steam Navigation Company Limited, and Blue Star Limited.