SIR ALEXANDER GODLEY

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2282, 16 October 1914, Page 4

SIR ALEXANDER GODLEY

The presentation of a sword of honour to General Sib Alexander Godlev on behalf of the people of New Zealand is quite certain to meet with the heartiest endorsement of every section of the community. The idea, was a happy one, and the enthusiasm which characterised the presentation ceremony at Parliament House yesterday afternoon was a true reflection of public sentiment throughout the country. General Godley's ready tact, sound judgment, and capacity for organisation have won for him the respect and confidence of the people. Tho fact that our new defence ; scheme has been established and put in working order with so little friction is in a great measure due to his efforts to avoid unnecessary interference with tho social and industrial life of tho 'community. His constant endeavour has been to secure the highest standard of efficiency without' extravagance, and with due regard to tho interests both' of tho citizen soldiers and of the employers of labour. He has 1 always given the most careful consideration to all reasonable representations placed before him, and has done his best to make the time devoted to military training fit in with the convenience of all concerned. In this way tho foundations of the now system have been firmly laid, and the pessimistic predictions of the small minority who opposed its establishment have been completely disproved. It is very largely owing to the good work done by General Sir Alexander Godley that "our citizen army is now able, not only to defend our shores, but at the same time to render assistance to the Empire in other parts of the world." The fact that we were able to so quickly raise and equip a body of "10,000 men—as fine young men as any would wish to send to war"—is a convincing proof of the success of our defence system and the splendid services rendered by General Godley; and it is satisfactory to know that he is to be the leader of .pur Expeditionary Force. The men have confidence in him. and he has confidence in them. . General Godley and his men when they leave these shores will take with them tho best wishes of the people of New Zealand. We shall all wish them God speed, with every confidence that they will acquit themselves with honour in the service of the Empire.