WARMLY PRAISED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 June 1943, Page 3

WARMLY PRAISED

NEW ZEALAND FIGHTING FORGES. MR JONES ENTERTAINED IN LONDON. (Special P.A. Correspondent.) LONDON, June 1. The New Zealand fighting forces were highly praised at a luncheon given by the directors of the Bank of New Zealand to the New Zealand Minister of Defence, Mr Jones. There were present, the N.Z. High Commissioner, Mr Jordan, Mr Endean, M..P., and leaders of New Zealand banking, shipping, produce and insurance circles in London. Brigadier R. S. Park, Air Commodore A. de T. Nevill and Major S. R. Skinner were also present. The chairman, Mr Cecil Lubbock, introducing Mr Jones, referred to the New Zealand Division in North Africa as “one of the finest bodies of fighting men who ever went into battle. They have fitness, skill, courage, spirit and character,” He described Mr Jones as the “representative of an heroic country.”

Mr Jones, replying, said it was an education to hear of the high reputation, of men in New Zealand business circles in London who were noted for their energy and integrity. Referring to the war, he indicated an improved shipping position for New Zealand in the coming year. During his tour he had flown 30,000 miles, and he said it was an inspiration to see the New Zealand Division. He had found some sections in olive groves where the men had slept solidly for 24 hours and seemed to be feeding on beans for breakfast dinner and tea, but with out complaint. They were everywhere cheerful and happy. Mr Jones paid tribute to the Maori Battalion for a splendid job. He added that in addition to fighting the Maoris were producing more from the land today than at any time in the history of New Zealand. (Applause.) He warmly praised the 51st Highland Division, whom the New Zealanders fought alongside. Referring to the R.N.Z.A.F., ho stated that there were 2000 men in Britain who were casualties or were returning home. “They have done a job of which we are proud,’ he said. He also praised the men in the Navy and the Merchant Navy. Complimenting Britain on its great war effort, Mr Jones said: “I think it should not be long before you achieve success in Europe, but the Japanese question is different. It is a big task. The Minister said he was pleased to find a growing interest in civil aviation in Britain. “We have always had supremacy at sea as regards ships and trade, and I think we should have it so far as air travel is concerned” he said, “I am glad to see the awakening that has taken place in this country. I hope we are able to play our part as regards air transport and would like to see—with due respect to the Americans and ' what they have done in connection with this war —British aircraft flying over the world routes—in co-operation with the Americans an certainly not in competition.” Mr Jones added that they must have chips to play with, and in this case the chips were aircraft, landing grounds and maintenance staff.

The Minister said he could not forecast the position of primary produce, but hoped that New Zealand would be able to maintain its trade with Britain.

On Monday the Greek Ambassador gave a luncheon to Messrs. Jones, Jordan, Lowry, Endean, and Major C. Skinner, M.P., N.Z. Minister of Lands.