“ DIGGERS ” ALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 10607, 4 June 1920, Page 6

“ DIGGERS ” ALL

WITH THE RETURNED MEN. HEARTY WELCOME EXTENDED. General Birdwood was given a hearty welcome by the delegates _ to the annual conference of the Now Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association at the Parliamentary Buildings at 11 a.m. Ho was cheered to the echo, and after being photographed with the delegates, he greeted every one individually, and had a abort chat about things “over there.” Tho returned men gave three more hearty cheers, and then left on their return to the conference chamber. In tho afternoon tho General attended the conference, where ho was accorded -a tumultuous welcome, the men cheering repeatedly, and singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow.” The president, Dr E. Boxer, of Hastings, said that it was not necessary for him to say what they all felt. “Wo have our beloved General with us,” ho said. It had been stated that General Birdwood was tho “Soul of Anzac,” but that was only a commonplace. He was the soul of that magnificent fighting force, tho N.Z.E.F. “Wo arc pleased to have you out in this country to see and know for yourself tho men in their own homes—the men w'ho served under you in the field. Wo are also glad that you aro ' accompanied hy Lady Birdwood and your daughter.” “I did not come here to make a speech, but just to see you in congress for a few minutes,” said General Birdwood. “I want to say how very deeply touched I am at tho reception you have given me. I have been told that in some parts of New Zealand it is very cold, but you all have warm hearts, I am sure, and that is everything. I am going off now, because I believe.there is a very

good Rugby match on—Canterbury y. Wellington, You know, I am a very' keen follower of the game. I used to play at one time. That reminds me. 1 once played for tho Royal Military College of Sandwich against tho Royal Naval College. Your now Governor-General, Viscount Jellicoe, was playing three-quarter for the Naval College. I was playing half.

A voice; Who won? “We gave them a rattling good game.” “I am glad Viscount Jellicoe is coming to you,” he continued; “because you could not get a sounder man—one with better ideas.” “I just want to say how glad I am that I have met yon again,” said tho General as he started for the Rugby game to the accompaniment of ringing cheers by the representatives of the returned “diggere” of tho Dominion.