NEW ZEALAND'S SACRIFICE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 187, 27 April 1918, Page 8

NEW ZEALAND'S SACRIFICE

Sir,—l,think a few home truths would be very useful at this serious time. Are we making anything like tho sacrifice wo should, considering our very existence is at stake, are, I think, beginning to realise that tho Germans have only too plainly stated that if they win they will lake Now Zealand. When one of the leading commanding officers in the Canterbury district stated to me the other day that the money sacrifice made by New Zealand towards all war purposes was, per capita., greater than any other country has made, it is time someone spoke out and the truth is understood. The following figures 1 have had substantiated :— ■ New Zealand's total war expenditure up to February 28, 1918—^30,000,000. Britain's total war expenditure up to February 28, l!)IB-.£5,000,O0fl,O0O, which works out per capita nearly four times as much; therefore, if New"Zealand had made, the isame sacrifice she would have, spent nearly .£120,000,000. I do not wish to go into the question of man-power, as we have shown a better record, but still not so good in comparison with Britain. Mr. Ma.s.sev is reported to have stated »t Khandallah that after deducting 17,000 returned men 73,000 men have left New Zealand. Deducting the killed and wounded in hospitals it leaves over 50,000 men on the seas, in England, Egypt, and at the front. All honour is due to those who have gone to light our battles for us, but should not we who are staying at home do all we can to, back them up and let them feel that we will see the sacrifice many have made shall not be in vein.

The Man-Power Bill just introduced by Mr. Lloyd George in England practically scrapes up every man available up to fifty years of age, married or single. Are we prepared to do anything like this? It has been proposed that we should help with 1000 aeroplanes and establish training schools for our young men, many of whom are only too anxious to learn, but.cannot afford Ihe ,£IOO required by the Aviation Company. The plea that America is doing so much that they could not manufacture them for us is puerile, as there are plenty of manufactories in the Stales that are not doing war work that could, if it was made worth their while, make them for us, if we sent competent business men to organise. Tho Royal Flying Corps, whose aeroplanes are still equal or better than those the other Allies are constructing, would for such a purpose allow their plans, etc., to be used. We should organise our manpower for everything, and, I think, could construct wooden vessels for use in the Pacific and so release our other vessels to aid tho Allies in getting food supplies, as it is yet possible, owing to the submarines, that starvation may end tho war. When England gave us the high price she does for our wool, meat, etc., she expected us to turn that money over again in .helping to end the war, and not that we should grow rich out of her necessities. Until human nature alters there will always be wars, and the nation which is not prepared to make every sacrifice will, as in the past, be beaten. Rome fell when tho people became so rich and indolent that they thought chiefly of pleasures and did not think it possible that the barbarians had more energy and fighting power than themselves. Our freedom is at stake. Are we so degenerate that wo will not help with every ounce of strength that we can put into the struggle? We know if we all do wo are sure to win, but if we leave it to others we must allow we deserve to l>e beaten. This letter will be in vain if it does not impress, on all that wo are far from doing out duty, and only Parliament, which is now in session, mid our Cabinet have the power ami should give us tho lead that we so much require before it is too late—l am, etc.. EDGAR JONES. Tiniaru.