THE ATTACK ON GENERAL GODLEY.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 August 1917, Page 6

THE ATTACK ON GENERAL GODLEY.

STATEMENT T<Y SIR .JOSEPH WARD. (By Wire—P.iriiumont.rry Reporter). Wellington, August 25. '•'l do not question the motives of the •two members who have made references, to Gomr.il Godley in this Tlouae.'' aaid Sir Joseph Ward in the House of Representatives 10-night. '-The members are entitled to their opinions, t>ut 1 want to say that I was responsible for the appointment .of General Godley in the | defence, forces of this country. I had a I great deal to do wiolt him 'when tyie teijritoi'ia! system was being established, land 1 can say with every confidence [ that for fact, diplomacy, sympathy, and I care in the exercise o'[ very difficult and j delicate operations, I have not met his ; superior. It in my opinion that the' | members who heard these minors at the ! front (and I will say that Mr. Massey .and f beard them also) should Have •written to the Minister lor Defence on tho subject. Mr. Parr (Eden): I "wrote to the Prime Minister." ■Sir Jootpii Ward: "I was.not aware of i.h:,;.. i think the complaint should have been placed before tho Defence I .Minister or the Prime Minister, and that the document should ha-ve been sent io , -General GodW in order that ho might report upon it. I do not Ijelieve, that j any man should be condemned unheard, i T feel that when a matter of this kind is discussed publicly in time of war there is a great probability of affecting the morale of tlie men under General Godley. The statements are bound to to be read in the trenches by men whose lives are at the disposition of the officerwho is being attacked. Mr. Lee (Oamam): '■How ahoui the feelings of their mothers?" Sir Joseph Ward- '-That has to be considered, but, in time of war, I think, Genera! Godley should ha\c had the opportunity of reporting on the statement. and then i.be Minister should have had Ike opportunity of carefully con-sirlei-mg the position and bringing it before bis colleagues when he had decided what, should be done, if anything. Mr.' Massey and I heard some of these rumors that were going about at the front. We heard nothing that, in any way reflect..d upon the courage of General Godley. An unpopular officer may be a very good officer. Marlbnrourfi was hated hy his oiiieers and men, but he was followed, and !in succeeded. I regard General Godley as a brave soldier and a good man as a soldier."