N.Z. VISIT RECALLED

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 259, 31 July 1942, Page 5

N.Z. VISIT RECALLED

King And Queen Talk To Mr. Nash (JJy Telegraph.—Press Assn—Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) LONDON, July 29. Mr. Walter Nash had tea with the King and Queen after his audience yesterday end spent an hour altogether at the Palace. The King and Queen both recalled their visit to .New Zealand, and showed very great interest in Dominion activities. Mr. Nash had ten minutes’ private talk with Mr. Churchill in the Cabinet room at No. 10 Downing Street immediately before attending his first War Cabinet meeting. They last met in Washington, when Mr. Churchill was there at the time of the fall of Tobruk. Others Mr. Nash met include Brigadier R .S. Park, officer commanding the N.Z.E.F. forces in the United Kingdom, with whom he discussed supply. Mr. Nash subsequently stated that he appreciated the efforts the United Kingdom had made to ensure that supplies to New'Zealand will be sufficient to enable the defence of the Dominion. He talked shipping with Brigadier N. S. Falla, who is in the Ministry of War Transport, and wool with Mr. F. S. Arthur, secretary of the wool control organization. He also received a call from Lord Galway. » ’Mr. Nash said he was impressed both in the United States and Britain with the reputation New Zealanders had made for themselves for their fighting qualities and natural courtesy. He hopes, if it can be arranged: in the time available, to visit tlie New Zealand squadrons, accompanied by Air Commodore L. M. Isitt. He met a number of New Zealand airmen when they called in Washington, but,Jew who had been on operations.

He tells an amusing story regarding Squadron Leader Alan Deere, D.F.C. and Bar, Wanganui, who during his stay at the Legation spent an hour -talking with a New Zealand girl. She thought he was going to' England for training, and lie told her nothing about himself. Later, they were talking with Mr. Nash. She asked Deere whether he had ever flown —Deere who has shot down 18 Huns. Deere blushed, and so did -the girl when Mr. Nash enlightened her. Mr. Nash said later, “I thought Deere very modest and a glorious chap.”