NOTES AND COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 29, 29 October 1942, Page 4

NOTES AND COMMENTS

When the question of withholding from the sheep-farmers the increase In the price to be paid for wool this season was being discussed, the possibility of losses of stock due to weather was stressed, but seemed to carry little weight with the Government. Reports of losses due to excessive rain during lambing had been received from some districts but they w r ere not nearly so heavy as those caused by the recent cold snap in the south. In some parts of Central Otago the losses are said to total between 30 and 40 per cent, and in the back country it is predicted that they will be even heavier. That will be a very serious matter for many farmers, for it will mean not only a loss of prospective income but also of capital. On some runs among the mountains the stock bred does little more than maintain the flocks at the economic level. If there have been heavy losses, then the problem of restoring the stock to the carrying capacity of the property will have to be faced. In the circumstances these men will require every penny they can get for their wool. sje * ’ * * *

From time to time the Patriotic Fund Board has made grants toward the maintenance of the New Zealand Forces Club in London. It now appears that owing to the patronage accorded the club, or the financial support provided by well-wishers, or both, those responsible for directing its affairs feel that they can dispense with this aid from overseas. They have also decided, with the consent of the board, to refund the grants already made, amounting to nearly £3OOO. The value of the club for New Zealanders whom war service takes to London is widely recognized. It has become the meeting-place of members of all services, and the base of operations for many who set out to explore the great city. It is, too, a link with the Dominion, and that becomes something of great value when one’s home is so far away. The New Zealand War Services Association, which established and has maintained the club, has earned the sincere thanks not only of the men in the forces but also of their relatives in the Dominion. The time may come when very" many more New Zealand sailors, soldiers and airmen will be able to use the facilities offered, and if ever financial assistance should be required the Patriotic Fund Board, by making adequate grants, would certainly be giving expression to the desire of the contributors that this successful community centre in London should continue Io flourish.

On the Russian front the Nazis have forces from several countries fighting for the Axis cause. And in the Eighth Army, now in action in Egypt, there are also units representing many nations. There is, however, a vast difference in the two cases. Many of the men fighting in Russia—the Italians and Rumanians—have been compelled to go. Others, such as the little Vichy French unit, the Hungarians, and probably the Finns, are there under duress. There is this great difference between them and the comparatively small but growing units now associated with the Allied armies in Egypt. For the greater part these Fighting French, Greeks, Poles and others have escaped from their homelands in order to continue the fight. That could not be said of anyone fighting for the Axis cause anywhere.