AUSTRALIANS' DEEDS.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 June 1919, Page 5

AUSTRALIANS' DEEDS.

IN THE WAR. HIGH PRAISE FROM SIR HENRY RAWLINSON. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, May 20. Mr. Pearce presided at the Australian and New Zealand luncheon to Admiral Weinyss and General Rawlinson. In the course of his speech he said the Commonwealth gratefully acknowledged the services of the navy, which enabled us in peace and war to live in safety. He paid a tribute to General Rawlinson's association with the Australian troopsAdmiral Wemyss, in responding, said the navy had had tome share in building up the Empire, and in the late struggle bore its part in upholding it. Australia, through • Gallipoli, had matured into nationhood. He believed the link connecting the Empire units would always be the navy. General Rawlinson said the 4th Army owed much to the valor, sacrifice, and incomparable fighting spirit of the Australians. He had been deeply interested in watching their progress to the final triumph of WlS.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. eociation. Received June 0, 5.5 p.m. London, May 2G.

General Sir Henry Rawlinson, in a speed), stated that General Bird wood and General Monaeh commanded with great distinction throughout the war. For men untried by experience to conic into the hurlyburly of war, as the Australians did, and learn the new methods which the war produced was a superhuman tas.k, and in the last hundred days the Australians had gained a reputation which will live throughout Europe. Marshal Foch told him that the Australian counter-attack at Villers Brettoncux was the turning point of the great GeTT r ;an offensive. He was glad to learn that a moniiment was to be erected at Mont St. Quentin in honor of its capture. He regarded Mont St. Quentin as practically unassailable, and did not feel justified in attacking it, but the initiative came from the Australian Corps. They won it in a most gallant manner. The foundation of the Empire was well laid on the battlefields of France. The children of the Empire who readied manhood had 'proved their right to take a prominent part in the high councils of the united Empire. General Rawlimon referred to Hawker's escape. He could not describe him better than as a typical Australian who had won a great reputation.—-Aus.--VZ. Cable Assn.