N.Z. MUNITION OUTPUT

Dominion, Volume 36, Issue 32, 2 November 1942, Page 4

N.Z. MUNITION OUTPUT

Continued Effort Urged EXPORT OF ARMS NOW POSSIBLE (By Telegraph.—Press Association.)

CHRISTCHURCH, November 1. The ‘danger facing New Zealand had never been greater since the outbreak of war, declared the Minister of Supply and Munition*?, Mr. Sullivan, in an address today to employees of a Christchurch firm engaged in producing munitions and essential agricultural machinery. The United States and Japanese navies, he said, were at present locked in deadly combat, and the United States Navy formed the only screen against Japanese invasion. New Zealanders therefore had to be ready for any danger that came or any intensification of the crisis. It was necessary at present for everyone in New Zealand to work to his utmost capacity. “I know,” said Mr. Sullivan, “that the workers in this factory are becoming weary from mental and physical fatigue as a result of the monotony of the job, but I want you to realize that this work is necessary to prevent invasion. You are doing a great service to your country, and till this present crisis is over I ask you to overlook your weariness.” New Zealand had done a great job in the production of munitions. Mr. Sullivan said that the War Cabinet 1 had told the Army that they could produce as many millions of hand grenades as were wanted. They were fast overtaking urgent requirements of ammunition, mortars, etc., for local defense, and they were now in a position io export their production of small arms, ammunition, grenades and a large range of engineering stores required by the forces in the field. The stores included hydraulic jacks, instrument stands, insulators, concrete mixers, pumps and fire engines. They were also exporting considerable quantities of tinned emergency rations, meat and vegetables, sausages, biscuits, chocolates and ■ oatmeal.