GENERAL BIRDWOOD.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 November 1919, Page 4

GENERAL BIRDWOOD.

VISIT TO AUSTRALIA. \ By Telezraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Nov. 12. A representative of the Australian Press Association interviewed General Birdwood before his departure for Australia. He said his wife and he were looking forward with most pleasant anticipations to their forthcoming visit. Even since he met the first Australians in Egypt he had longed to see the 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 had written thousands of letters to relations of boys, some of whom were in distress, complaining that their sons neglected to write home. He was going to Australia as Comman-der-in-Chief and guest of the Government. He would relinquish his position after the visit. He was not aware of the details of his tour, but was confident they would have the fullest opportunity of meeting old friends and their relatives and also the relatives of the gallant men who would never return. General Birdwood is due to arrive at Perth on December 18, and will remain with his married daughter until the New Year, when he will proceed eastward. He will be absent from England about six months. His subsequent movements are uncertain. There are renewed reports that he may be appointed to the command in India. No arrangements have been made for a visit to New Zealand. His younger daughter accompanies him.