MINISTER OF DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 200, 19 May 1919, Page 4

MINISTER OF DEFENCE

THE MAX WHO WORKED AT HOME.

' Praise was given to Sir James Allen fot , his work at Minister of Defence in the war time by the Hon. G. W. Kuesell at the luncheon given by the Government to Sir Andrew Russell on Saturday.'

"I wish," 6aid Mr. Kusscll, "io pay my meed of recognition to Sir James Alien for the work' he has done in this country aa Minister of Defence. I leel tun I; tiiis expression can como better from 6omeoue on our side in the politics of the country than from one of his own colleagues. In pre-war days 1 had Diy political scraps with Six James Allen, hut during the time I have been a Minister associated with Sir James Allenin the Government I wish to say that how he has maintained the work that he has put through during the war period I am unable to comprehend. I say thai irttn absolute sincerity, because I am a prettyhard worker myself, as everybody knows. Yet, night after night, Saturdays and Sundays included, when.l have gone to my be'd, I have seen the light going in Sir James Allen's office.. Night and nay lie has put into this work. I am satisfied .that tho success of the representatives of New Zealand in the fighting line, the continuance of reinforcements you, Oeneral Russell, have always had, have been very largely due to the initiative, determination, and will-powqr of the Uiuister of Defence, coupled with the ei.ergy and ability of the Headquarters Staff. "I pay this tribute to Sir James Allen with the utmost sincerity, and I feel that the people' of New Zealand will yet recognise more fully vhat >e has done for the country. While wo have gone through many 6trenuous limes, while we luoj have had eouie differences of opinion, yet wo have all. felt *and feel to-day that the' Minister of Defence l:ad only one purpose, that he was singleeyed, and devoted to the object he had in view-to win the war. ■ That object has been achieved. While we give credit to the general who commanded the forces, I think it would bo churlish on my part not to give credit to the Minister rf Defence, who has had so much to do with providing the men and material to keep tho force in tho field." (Applause.)