NEW ZEALAND TROOPS EULOGISED

Dominion, Volume 20, Issue 43, 15 November 1926, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND TROOPS EULOGISED

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S FINE TRIBUTE DISCIPLINE AND EXEMPLARY CONDUCT Dominion Special. Auckland, November 13. A high tribute to the discipline and exemplary conduct of the New Zealand soldiers, both daring the war and for some months succeeding the signing of the armistice, was paid by . the Govern-or-General (Sir Charles Fergussou) when speaking at the Officers’ Club dinner In replying to the toast of “Our Guests,” His Ecellency said: “I had the honour to have a considerable amount to do with the New Zealand soldiers, in France.” The conduct, discipline, and fighting qualities, of the New Zealand troops were undoubted, but he had always maintained that it was their exemplary conduct after the signing of the armistice, especially at Cologne, that was most creditable. Immediately following the war there had been a period of ease and . relaxation, the tendency being for the slackening off of discipline. It had been then, however, that the New. Zealand troops had set an example to the whole of the troops in Germany at that time. His Excellency regarded ’ their performance as a very great credit, and one which had been of enormous assistance in maintaining discipline among the troops. In reference to the Territorial officers, Sir Charles Fergusson said he always sympathised with them for the task they had to carry on was an uphill one. These officers had to deal with raw material, and had only a limited time to get it into shape. His' Excellency said he was delighted to hear of the progress of officers’ clubs. Clubs where lectures were given, and where officers got together were of great assistance to members. Such clubs served to carry on the oldest traditions of the Army. The toast of “The. Navy, Army, and Auxiliary Services” was proposed by the vice-president of the club (Lieut.Colonel J. P. Stevenson), and replied to by Commander Bradley, R.N., of FT.M.S. Philomel, and Major-General R. Young, General Officer Commanding the Military Forces. . Commander Bradley referred to the very excellent start which had been made at Auckland with the Roval Nava! Reserve. Although, he had been in New Zealand only a very short time, he was very, impressed with the .development of the country .and the hospitality and patriotism of the people. Major-General Young spoke of the very valuable work that was being done bv .officers’ clubs in various towns in the Dominion. He also expressed appreciation of the way in which. senior officers, were assisting their juniors. . .