"THE SOUL OF ANZEC.”

Hokitika Guardian, 15 November 1919, Page 3

"THE SOUL OF ANZEC.”

BIRDWOOD VISITING AUSTRALIA (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Received this day at 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 10. The Australian Press Association interviewed General Birdwood before his departure, for Australia. He said his wife and self were looking forward with most pleasant anticipations to the forth coming visit. Ever since he had first met the Australians in Egypt he had longed to see thieir homeland . He knew it must be a wonderful country to produce such men. The war had brought him many Australians whom he counted among his warmest friends. He wrote thousands of letters to relations of boys, some of whom were in distress, complaining they had neglected to write home. He was going to Australia as the Commander-in-Chief and at the request of Government will relinquish his position after the visit. Hie was not awaro of the details of tho tour, hut was confident he would have the fullest ! opportunity of meeting old friends, their relatives and also the relations of the gallant men who will never return. | General Birdwood is due to arrive al Perth on Dec. 18th and will remain •with his married daughter until the New Year ,when lie will proceed eastward. He will bo absent from England about six months. His subsequenf movements are uncertain. There ar< renewed reports that ho may be ap pointed to the command in India. No arrangements have been made t( visit New ealand. A young dauglitei acompanies him.