SWORD OF HONOUR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2282, 16 October 1914, Page 6

SWORD OF HONOUR

PRESENTED TO SIR ALEXANDER GODLEY I AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE INTERESTING VALEDICTORY There wae a scene of great enthusiasm at Parliament Buildings yesterday afternoon, whon members of both Houses assembled in Bellamy's to present the Commandant of tho New Zealand Expeditionary Force (General Sir Alexander Godley with a sword of honour. Speeches were made by leading parliamentarians, General Godley replied very interestingly, and it seemed that the function was over except for tho final shaking hands. But while the General tarried at the sceho of the presentation, members ranged themselves along the lobby, and when the "gentleman in khaki" appeared, ho was greeted with the chorus of "It's a Long Way to Tipperary." Over and over again, as th.o General moved from row to row shaking hands all round, members and councillors (led by tho Hon. A. T. Ngata) repented tho chorus of the moment. Tho Maori members of the Assembly could not allow tho opportunity to go by, and before tho Commandant escaped they assailed him with a fierce haka. Amidst ringing cheers, General Godley at'length reached the vestibule and made his departure.

At the presentation, Mr. A, M. Myers explained that some little -while ago, when it was understood that the force was about to sail, people desirous of expressing in tangible form their appreciation of tho -services of General Sir Alexander Godley to New Zealand had found! their time did not permit of their associating the whole of the people of New Zealand, with the movement. What was done, therefore, was'done through the Mayore of the four cities, who subscribed a sum of money for tho purpose of purchasing for General Godley a sword of honour. It was, of course, impossible to obtain a suitable sword in New Zealand, so the subscribed sum "would bo sent to the High' Commissioner, who would purchase a sword and present it to General Godley. Tho Address. Tho Prime Minister (the Eight Hon. W. P. Massey) then read tho following letter, which was addressed to General Godley:— . "Sir, —Oα the eve of your dcpartwo from New Zealand in command of the Expeditionary Force, there- has been a general expression of opinion that some souvenir should be presented to you. on behalf of the people of this' Dominion to mark their liigh appreciation of your military services, and also to emphasise the great success achieved oy the Territorial movement under your able control. Our citizen army is now able, not only to defend our shores, but at tho suno time to render assistance to the Empire in other parts of tho world. It is recognised thajt this splendid development of our scheme of universal training is due to a very great extent to your wide experience, marked ability, and unfailing tact. Aβ so little timo will elapso prior to your departure, it has been decided to communicate only with the Mayors of tho four chief ' centres—Auckland, ' Wellington, Ohristdmrch, and Dunediu. Thoy have, on behalf of their respective . councils, subscribed a sum which

they desire to be ueed for'tihe purchase of a sword, to be presented to you as from tho people of Now Zealand, in grateful recognition of the valuable services rendered by you as General Officer Commanding the New Zealand Forces, On their behalf we also , wish to record our high appreciation of the able manner in. which you have been assisted by Lady Godley, who has on all occasions thrown herself enthusiastically into the life of our community, and taken a leading part in the many socia l and patriotic' movements in out, Dominion."

The address is signed by the Primo Minister (the Hon W. P. Massey), Sir Joseph Ward, Hon. James Allen, and the Mayor of Wellington (Mr. J. P. Lmke). Prime Minister's Good Wishes. ' Mr. Maeeey assured General Godley that the letter expressed the sentiments of not only those who signed .it, but of the people of New Zealand. As the letter indicated, the people considered that General Godley had distinguished himself by success in the building up of the defence force of New Zealand. U'lie people believed, too, that General Godley would lead the .Force with distinction at the front. New Zealand's best wishes were with the Commandant and the men under him, and he felt certain that the Force, though numerically small, would play no unimportant part in the bringing of this eerious war to an honourablo and satisfactory conclusion. -Other Speeches. Sir Joseph Ward said that during the time he'had been in New Zealand General Godley had l s'hown the people by his calm manner of approaohiiig his business that he possessed at least one of the qualities which led to success on the held. Ho wished General Godley a successful career on the battlefields which lay. beforo him in charge of the New Zealand forces, and said that ho felt proud that General Godley was to lead tho force which he had done so much to make efficient. Mr. J. P. Luke (Mayor of Wellington and chairman of the Municipal Association of New Zealand) endorsed tho remarks of the previous sponkers. Now Zealand, ho said, had perfect confidenco in General Godley. The country could not put its trust in a moro capablo or a more esteemed man, and tho troops were particularly pleased to have the General at their head. Commandant's Reply. General Godley thanked the speakers for the "kind things" they hud said of him. Ho went on to say that before over ho arrived in New Zealand he made up his mind that from tho moment; hf landed here he would do his jfttfflfleb to identify, the urijjx, .with the

people of tfio country. Hβ was always convinced that the army must have the backing, and the support, and the goodwill of the citizens in every possiblo icay. As far as possible, ho had kept that steadily before him. Thoy had been able to produce, with little friction and littlo dislocation of trade, 10,000 men as fine young men as any nation would wish to send to war. Ho did not say that they were seasoned soldiers, but they soon would to. On tho whole they were well equipped, though not perfectly equipped. Their clothing and boots might not all be perfect, but the people need not fear ttiat the men tvero not well equipped. He was quite certain they would reach their destination considerably better equipped than some of tho other forces from other parts of tho Empire. General Godley said that he appreciated moro than he could tell them the token of regard w J hich had been presented to him, because it came from the people._ It was a reward which occasioned him the highest pleasure that could possibly be given him. Lady Godloy, who had learned to love New Zealand, hoped to return. It was with tho greatest regret that they left the country now; they had come to look upon themselves ss Now Zealanders. ''As far as lies in me," ho concluded, "I will do my best to merit your confidence, and to look ■ after the /plendid lot of 'representative young Now Zealanders you have loft in my charge." (Applause.) Cheers were given for General and Lady Godley.