GENERAL BIRDWOOD

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 81, 31 December 1919, Page 6

GENERAL BIRDWOOD

WILL VISIT NEW ZEALAND IP POSSIBLE. By Telegraph—PreES Association.. Auckland December 30. Definite information has been received bv tho Prime Minister from General Sir William Birdwood that if possible he will accept the invitation sent to him to visit New Zealand at the conclusion -of his Australian tour, but that 1110 visit cannot be earlier than June next. On the arrival of General Birdwood at Perth Mr. Massey cabled to him as follows:—"New Zealand joins.with Australia in hearty welcome. On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I warmly extend to you cordial invitation to visit New Zealand after completion of vour Australian engagements, and earnestly trust that you may be '•j)le to accept. Kindly advise probable dates if able to arrange. Kin Ora" To this Sir William tins sent the following replv: "Please accept most grateful thanks 'for more than kind welcome extended to me by your Government and. people which I most deeply appreciate, as I also do your very kind invitation to visit New Zealand. According to present plniis, I Jim completing tourof Au.s« tralia on June 1. It possible will most gladly avnil myself of your invitation. I naturally wish .to see again many old Now Zealand comrades. Am writing. Kia Ora."