LITTLE MAN, WHAT NOW!

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 2, Issue 166, 29 May 1940, Page 4

LITTLE MAN, WHAT NOW!

YIELDING at last to the growing force of public opinion which for some months past has demanded a more intensive war effort, the Prime Miinister has announced the introduction of an "all in" policy details of which will be discusin the House tomorrow. The only indication of what the Government has iji mind may be gauged from Mr Fraser's terse statement in reply to the query of the President of the Returned Soldier's Association—that the proposals would definitely mean the introduction of compulsory national service in civil, military and financial spheres. There can therefore be no shadow of doubt as to their far-reaching nature. Few persons will be untouched. But it can be said with equal vehemence that the new regfime, providing it is definitely dedicated to the prosecution of the war to Gave civilisation, will meet with universal sympathy and endorsement. The time for pettiness in politics, in business, in social and in home life,, is long past. Ahead, lies the spirit of cooperation towards the national objective of winning the war, and vanquishing forever the hordes which stand for brute force and wanton persecution. Faced with the widespread clamourings for conscription, for military preparedness within our own country and for anti-alien measures, the Prime Minister has taken a lead from the Old Country and has resolved to place New Zealand on a war footing which will make her ready to deal with any eventuality. Apart from those eligible for service overseas, there are many thousands who by age or responsibility are excluded from joining up, yet who would be willing- and honoured to become members of a home defence force, or to take an active part in any measure, for greater production which may be deemed necessary. Able-bodied women throughout the country are also ready in their thousands to perform some form of national service. The whole country was never more united in a common desire to combine forces in the interests of furthering the chances of victory. Impatiently it awaits the outcome of tomorrow's deliberations, though it can be reliably stated that no time will be wasted, on senseless debate before the new measures become law. Whatever their nature they will serve to awaken the Dominion to. a new sense of responsibility which will make, her people realise the vast issues at stake and the grave repercussions which would threaten unless all sections are prepared to direct their fullest efforts towards the complete overthrow of the Nazi forces seeking to enslave the world.