“UNFAILINGLY FAIR AND JUST”

Press, Volume XCV, Issue 28269, 6 May 1957, Page 8

“UNFAILINGLY FAIR AND JUST”

Tribute By R.S.A. President (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 5. Mr K. W. Fraser, Dominion president of the . Returned Services’ Association, to-night paid a tribute to his predecessor in office, Major-General Sir Howard Kippenberger. Affectionately known as “Kip” to the men who served under him and with him. Sir Howard Kippenberger would be remembered by countless numbers of people here and overseas as a friend, said Mr Fraser.

Sir Howard Kippenberger served his country continuously, both as a soldier and as a civilian from the time he was 17 right up to his death and except for Lord Freyberg, no officer was more closely associated with the Second New Zealand Division. No-one was better known or liked by the hard-bitten veterans of the division’s campaigns and no-one was better able to speak for them, he said.

As Dominion president of the association from 1948 to 1955, he had a profound influence. He was a quietly-spoken, humble man, and immediately won the respect of all.

“As a serving officer, Sir Howard Kippenberger had been a natural leader, quick to give praise where it was warranted, but forthright in condemning makeshift or slipshod methods. He was always intolerant of humbug, sincerely interested in his men as individuals, and unfailingly fair and just,” said Mr Fraser.