N.Z. FIGHTING FORCES

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23965, 4 June 1943, Page 5

N.Z. FIGHTING FORCES

HIGH PRAISE GIVEN LONDON, June 2. The New Zealand fighting forces were highly praised at a luncheon given by the London board of the Bank of New Zealand to the Minister of Defence (the Hon. F. Jones). There were present the High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan), Mr W. P. Endean M.P.. and leaders of New Zealand banking, shipping, produce, and insurance circles in London. Brigadier R. 5. Park, and Air Commodore A. de T. Nevill. Mr Cecil Lubbock, the chairman, in introducing Mr Jones, referred to the New Zealand Division in North Africa as "one of the finest bodies of British fighting men who ever went into battle. They have fitness, skill, courage, spirit, and character." He described Mr Jones as a "representative of a heroic country.” Mr Jones, replying, said that it was an education to hear the high reputation of men in New Zealand business circles in London, who were noted for their energy and integrity. Referring to the war, he indicated pn improved shipping position for New Zealand in the coming year. During his tour he had flown 30.000 miles, and he said that it was an inspiration to see the New Zealand Division. He found some sections in olive groves, where the men had slept solidly for 24 hours. They seemed to be feeding bn beans’ for breakfast, dinner, and tea without complaint. They were everywhere cheerful and happy. Mr Jones paid a tribute to the Maori Battalion for its splendid job, and he added that, in addition to fighting, the Maoris were producing more from-the land to-day than at any time in the history of New Zealand. He warmly .praised the 51st Highland Division which fought alongside the New Zealanders. Referring to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, he said that there were 2000 men in Britain who were casualties or had returned home. “They have done a job of which we are proud,” he said. Mr Jones also praised the men in the Navy and the Merchant Navy. Paying a tribute to Britain’s great war effort, Mr Jones said: “I think it should not be long before you achieve success in Europe, but the Japanese question is different. It is a, big task." Mr Jones said that he was pleased to find a growing interest in civil aviation in Britain. “We have always had supremacy at sea in ships and trade, and I think that we should have it so far as air travel is concerned. I am glad to see the awakening that has taken place in this country. I hope that we will be able to play our part in air transport, and I would like to see—with due respect to the Americans and what they have done in this war— British aircraft flying over the world routes—in co-operation with the Americans, certainly not in competition.” Mr Jones added that Britain must have the chips to play with, and in this case the chips were aircraft, landing grounds, and maintenance staffs. He could not forecast the position of primary produce, but he hoped that New Zealand would be able to maintain her trade with Britain.