“BUSINESS AS USUAL”

Evening Star, Issue 23374, 18 September 1939, Page 10

“BUSINESS AS USUAL”

NO USE FRETTING A WORD TO SHOPKEEPERS “ Nothing is gained by fretting and fuming. Our traders and shopkeepers in their constant contact with _ the public will again have the privilege and duty to encourage a calm and philosophical view of things.” This is. the word for'the day, given by the official organ of the New Zealand! Drapers, Clothiers, and Boot Retailers’. Federation. The retailer is exhorted “to discourage the evil of rumourspreading and scaremongering; to sup-* port authority in the inevitable restrictions which will }>e forced upon us; and to discourage any tendency to panicky or ‘ jittery ’ hysteria. “We paid a heavy price and made great sacrifices to gain our goal a quarter of a century ago, and can only hope the long-drawn-out agony of that' struggle will be averted this time. “ The most popular slogan of the last war was the breezy injunction. ‘ (Business as Usual,’ and that meant much more to us than mere normal continuance of trade. It implied that everyone should carry on, and do their bit towards winning the war by maintaining normal business activity, avoiding as much dislocation of trade as was possible. THE STOCK PROBLEM. “ The present outbreak unfortunately, finds most traders ill-prepared for the increased difficulties of securing stocks which war must cause. It is no use, of course, crying over spilt milk, and nothing can be done about it now, but difficulties experienced in securing supplies this year have reduced stocks in our stores, shops, and warehouses to a minimum, and our traders must do the best they can with the meagre-resources which will be available to them. “ There will be shipping shortage, and in the Old Country war demands mush receivq preference, but we must make the best of things until the cruel insanity of war has ceased. CENTENNIAL FESTIVITIES. ** This coming year elaborate preparations were in hand for celebrating our one hundredth birthday as a recognised British community. “ In the face of the catastrophe which has fallen it is hoped the Government will carefully consider the whole position, before deciding whether it is wise and fitting to proceed with these celebrations in the midst of world hostilities, or postpone them to a more opportune time and .make them a victory as well as a centennial celebration. “ We are at war, and until hostilities cease again we must close up our ranks in a united effort to ensxtre victory for our arms. Here in New Zealand we can pride ourselves on being the first to throw in our lot with the Motherland, and on the absolute unanimity of all sections .of our community in the determination to see it through at all costs. Our people are taking it calmly and soberly, hut underlying that spirit there is the marked undercurrent of courage to face the_ worst and stick grimly to the task which ha* been forced on us."