BE STRONG YOU BRITISH

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 50, 20 February 1945, Page 8

BE STRONG YOU BRITISH

Great Britain's prestige in New Zealand today is probably than at any time since the end of the last war. It must be admitted that, during the 'thirties, there \was some doubt in the Dominion, doubt, mingled with foreboding. New Zealand did not care for the reek of appeasement. New Zealand wanted peace as ardently as any other peace-loving nation; but not peace at any price. Today with victory in sight in Europe and, ultimately, in the Pacific, New Zealand, with a higher percentage of casualties among her armed forces than that of any other Empire country ? is ardentlj' deteimined that there must not be a further war in another 20 years. Two Types There are two types of New Zealanders. There are the older people, whose parents went to New Zealand from Great Britain, arid there are also many who were born in Britain. They are British in thought and association. It is these young New Zealanders who have helped to fight this- war with the. British forces. They have admired the British for their leadership and fighting qualities. Yet there are many things that puzzle the young New Zealanders over here in Britain.

They cannot understand why British Service men apparently tolerate] bad conditions in barracksf camps, and stations, when an effort to induce authority to make improvements would, in New Zealand, bring results. They are delighted and grateful for generous hospitality arid the friendliness thej r meet; but they are often appalled at the living and working conditions of some of the people. They are surprised at the comparative and apparent lack of interest in politics. The young New Zealanders. hear a lot of talk about new social policies and better housing and rehabilitation plan& but they see little of the determination of their own country to get' these things done. Admiration They admire the effectiveness of the British fighting forces, equipped with the. best aircraft in the world Avith the most modern radio, with the best, ships and arms: but they are surprised at Britain's treatment of .her Service men in comparison with New Zealand s treatment of her Service, men. The viewpoint of the New Zealanders Avho have lived in the Dominion throughout the war is probably something rather different.

Sentiment has quickened their sympathy and admiration for the trials of the British civilians. They have rationed their foodstuffs to send Britain more. An'd with increasing satisfaction thej r have watched the British surmount one trial after another.

Today- as I have said, Great Britain's prestige is higher than, it has. been for many years. What the New Zealanders will watch for carefully in the coming days, and what they will hope to find, is a "strong" Britain both internationally and comJ merciallj\ Stronger Ties Great Britain is New Zealand's market for her primary produce. It always has and New Zealanders want that market maintained. They want to buy } as a matter of course, British goods in return, and they naturally want the best and most up-to-date goods.

Today, New Zealand's ties with Great Britain are stronger rather than, weaker; and the higher Great Britain's international pre&tige and the more up to date her products the more pro-British will New Zealand become.

And of course, the year that sees Great Britain send an international Rugby team to the Dominion to win every match ? including Tests —in that year New Zealand will be really impressed !