“NO BETTER CHOICE”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20129, 26 December 1939, Page 14

“NO BETTER CHOICE”

COMMANDER OF N.Z.E.F. GENERAL FREYBERG MINISTER'S OPINION (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. “New Zealand is to be congratulated on having obtained the services of Major-General *B. C. Freyberg to command the Special Force,” said the Minister of Education and Health, the Hon. P. Fraser, yesterday. "With Major-General Duigan in charge in New Zealand, the combination will be an excellent one. I would like it to be understood that before the appointment was made the highest authorities were consulted as to General Freyberg’s suitability for the command. There was a unanimous expression of opinion that there could be no better choice.

“In addition to being a world-famed soldier, his personal achievements were quoted by the late J. M. Barrie as an outstanding example, in his famous. St. Andrew’s address on ‘Courtige.’

“He is held in high esteem as a commanding officer and, in any case, would have been selected shortly tor command of a division in the field. The fact that he is a New Zealander, is proud of the fact, and understands New Zealand and New Zealand people, is very important. Add to these qualifications and to his wide experience the fact that he has a very high reputation for great consideration and concern for the well-being of the men under him, and that he is a thoroughly friendly and courteous gentleman to everyone with whom he comes in con. tact, and you have that fine combination of qualities that makes a commanding officer in whom all can have confidence.”