LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 113, 6 February 1919, Page 6

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

NEW ZEALAND'S EFFICIENCY

Sir.—Tiin Dominion publishes from time to time some splendid evidences regarding the efficiency of this country during the war. Nothing more telling in that respect has been published for some time, however, than in. dealing with our export of mutton, wool, and dairy produce from New Zealand. The Imperial Uovernment's purchases have reached to date (January 25) not less a sum than .£83,360,218 altogether. The exports of New Zealand produce during the war have exceeded one hundred and fifty millions sterling, and this has been accomplished while our soldiers—to the number of nearly 100,000 men—have been, absent from the country. This is great and convincing evidence, to my mind, of the efficiency of the New Zealand people, and further evidence of their determination to keep the home front solid in the absence of the men who were fighting for freedom and civilisation in the various battlefields in Europe:

Let me also add that nothing lias given me greater pride than the reading of your quotation from Sir Douglas Haig, Commander-in-Chief of the British Army, on the New Zealand Division:— "The New Zealand Division," says Sir Douglas Haig, "is a great credit to you all. You must feel very proud of the splendid fellows you have sent to Europe to fight for all we hold most dear." And again, as he concludes, "I cannot tell yon how my heart goes out to your grand fellows; they are such thorough men in every way." And," may I observe, this comes at a time when ve are hearing that these men should be put under a ban by a section of the community. Another tribute which ought to be noted and emphasised is from Captain L. Donaldson, of 11.M.5. New Zealand, who, in a letter, says: "I wish to express admiration for the officers and men of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force for the brilliant service they have'rendered to the Empire during the war. Such brilliant service has so largely contributed to the present situation." That situation was the signing of the armistice and the cessation of iiosilities.

l trust that the placing of these'state; 'ments together will stimulate the fathers and mothers and all the good people of New Zealand to a higher appreciation of our soldieirs from this Dominion, for they have done so much to.win baok and establish civilisation and freedom to the world.—l am, etc., FATHER OF TWO SOLDIERS.