The Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1942 A VITAL BATTLE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 05, Issue 91, 14 August 1942, Page 4

The Bay Of Plenty Beacon Published Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. FRIDAY, AUGUST 14, 1942 A VITAL BATTLE

THE Solomons, erstwhile land of fuzzy-haired savages and Mission Stations, has now been transformed mto a battle ground, the outcome of which will spell the whole basis of future Allied strategy in the Pacific. The duration of the struggle is somewhat surprising in view of the careful preparations, but what is probably the greatest feature of ah is the strength of the Japanese garrison, a further proof ot the insidious penetrative movements which have been quietly made by the soldiers of Japan during the past six months. shores are the scene of a bitter struggle between t e fighting men of the U.S.A. and the fanatical adherents of the Mikado.. On the Allied side we have been assured thai the greatest co-operation has been afforded by the R.A.A.F. in "backing up" the attack, but that already the Japanese Zeros have been responsible for one sinking and damage to five other craft. The Domei Agency of coursc declares the losses twice as great and gives voice to the characterstica - ly extravagant claims for which it is so well known. g position however is certainly not a walk over and if we aie prepared to face facts we would rather be told the: fu truth and the whole progress of the movement as it sways in the face of admittedly, fierce Japanese counter attacks.' The confused nature of the fighting, according to General Mac Arthur's headquarters makes it lm possible to give any coherent report of the battle, but the fact that the defenders-are still able to stand strongly at bay, should indicate their stubborn character and then strength. The Solomons battle wi!! not be the simple project so many of us anticipated, and we have to lift our hearts in thankfulness to our American allies who pledged to the cause of freedom are to-day shedding their blood directly in our defence.

SAVE YOUR RUBBER

DO you realise that 90 per cent of the world's rubber supply has now been cut off from the United Nations who axe waging a life and death struggle against the forces of oppression ? Never mind the recriminations on the whys and the wherefores of the fall of Malay, Singapore, the Indies and the other rubber growing countries—face facts as they are to-day. The position is not merely serious, it is vital and upon every one of us devolves the duty of economising in rubber ware of all descriptions, to the utmost. Whakatane residents should realise that all garages are collecting agents, that the Rangitaiki Plains Dairy Company acts in the same capacity, and that the Borough authority is a further point of contact. Do not forget-all rubber is useful, old perished, torn or forgotten. Everything of rubbei composition or fabric can be utilised; old tyres, rubber gloves, toys, water bottles, rubber coats, gum boots, tubin" in short, any article that is composed in whole or in part of rubber is needed. With the fullest co-opera-tion of the civilian community it is estimated that the Do-, minion's stocks will be sufficient to meet all but only with the fullest co-operation. v

UNIFORMITY OF BUILDING

A POINT raised by the Whakatane Borough Council last Monday evening must meet with the fullest endorsement the citizens generally. The council has taken exception to the: construction on a Government housing block of a garage which is completely out of harmony with the modern surroundings and appearances. The building does not comply with the Borough By-laws but being on Crown land is immune from interference by Borough authority. The position can lead to ridiculous anomalies and it is natural to assume that the Government will see the reason and, force of the request and take the necessary steps to correct the present infringement and prevent its recurrence.

CITIZENS OF THE FUTURE WHAKATANE can now lay claim to two Boy Sco.ut Troop& numbering over 50„ a Cub pack totalling 40, a Girl Guiclfe troop of 41 members and a Brownie troop of 27. Thus it will be seen that in this town at the present time thert* are no less than 158 young people undergoing training in a movement which is world wide and which may well lay the foundation stone for universal peace of the future as it was envisaged by its great founder Lord Baden Powv.il himself.