GENERAL GODLEY.

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15989, 25 August 1917, Page 8

GENERAL GODLEY.

SIR JOSEPH WARD IN HIS DEFENCE. "A BRAVE SOLDIER. A_NT> A GOOD SOLDIER." (srnciAL to "the press.") WELLINGTON. August 24. "T do not question tho motives ot tho two members who have made references to General Godley in this House,'' said Sir Joseph Ward in the House of Representatives to-night. "The mombe rs are entitled to their opinions, but I want to say that I was responsiblo for the appointment of General Godley in tho defence forces of this country. 1 had a great deal to do with him whon tho Territorial system was being established, and 1 c-an say with every confidence that for tact, diplomacy, sympathy, and care in tho exercise of very difticult and delicate operations, I havo not met his superior. It is my opinion that the members who heard theso rumours at tho front —and I will say that Mr Massev and 1 hoard them also —should have written to tho Minister of Defence on tho subject." Mr Parr: 1 wrote to the Primo Minister. Sir Joseph Ward: 1 was not awaro of that. I think that tho complaint should have been placed before tho 3>efonco Minister or the Primo Minister, and that tho document should liavo been sent to General Godley in ordor that ho might report upon it. Ido not think that any man should bo condemned unheard. I feol that when a mattor of this kind is discussed publicly in time of war, there is a great probability of affecting tho moral of tho men under General Godley. The statements are bound to bo read in tho t-nnniioq ]iy i"n- v.' l '"*" nro at t'-r» disposition of the officer who is being

Mr Lee: How about tho feelings of their mothers? Sir Joseph Ward: That has to bo considered, but in timo of war I think General Godley should have had tho opportunity of reporting on tho statement, and then tho Minister should havo had the opportunity of carefully considering tho position and bringing it before his colleagues, when ho had decided what, should bo done, if anything. Mr Massey and I heard roiuo of those rumours that were going about among the mon at the front. Wo hoard nothing that in any way reflected upon the courage of General Godloy. An unpopular officer may be a very good officer. Marlborough was hated, by his officers and men. but ho was followed and ho succeeded. I regnrd General Godloy as a brave soldier and a good soldier.