BRITAIN IN WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20106, 28 November 1939, Page 5

BRITAIN IN WAR

QUICK CHANGE OVER QUIET DETERMINATION A VISITOR’S TRIBUTE DOMINION’S CONTRIBUTION Aifter an absence of some eight months abroad. Sir Henry Horton has returned to the Dominion. “It was an interesting experience,” said .Sir Henry, "to have been in Great Britain at the commencement of the war, and to observe how quickly the people changed over from their usual avocations to the task of helping forward the nation’s preparations. The men of military age became busy either in the army, navy, air or home defence forces. Many veterans of the previous war have enlisted, and staff training work has been found for them in several cases. All forms of social entertainment ceased at once and Red Cross and Air Raid Precaution work was at once undertaken by former hostesses.

“There was no enthusiasm for the war,” he continued, "but a quiet determination that everyone would strive to the utmost in the effort for final victory. Before the war commenced I heard many Englishmen express the view that they would sooner face hostilities than live their lives with the everlasting threat of war hanging over them. Grim Struggle Ahead

“The military strength of Germany, built up by many years of preparation, is very formidable, and it is known that a severe and grim struggle lies ahead unless something unforeseen arises. While many of the older Germans are anti-Hitler, the masses of younger men have been trained to follow the Nazi leader with enthusiasm. It has been drilled into their minds that Germany can only, and must, expand by conquest, and that they must make sacrifices to achieve this end. It is realised that the British Empire is the stumbling block to the achievement of this ambition, and hence Hitler’s declaration that it must be smashed. However, fortunately, it looks as if all he will achieve will 'be to weld it even more closely together. “1 was in Great Britain when the Hon. W. Nash was arranging his recent loans,” Sir Henry' said, "and I met some of our leading bankers at the time. They emphasised the point that New Zealand had secured its loans at a very reasonable rate of interest, considering the difficulties of the market, but ali were emphatic that, if our Dominion wishes to retain its credit in the future, economy in its internal expenditure must be achieved. If this is not done they are afraid of what will happen to our finance in the future. Perils of the Sea

“On the completion of a return voyage to New Zealand I am thankful to have again reached our shores in safety. The perils of the sea to-day are fourfold, including dangers of attack from submarines, aircraft, raiders, and the possibility of striking a floating mine. I feel we owe a debt of gratitude to the British Navy and also to the officers and men of the British mercantile marine, whose duties and anxieties are very greatly increased in time of war.

“A difficult task confronts New Zealand in getting the men of its expeditionary force conveyed in safety to where their services are required, but I feel sure that this wiil be achieved by the joint efloi'ts of the British Navy and our mercantile marine. Great Britain requires our products during this war, and those who remain in New Zealand can help most by maintaining or even increasing production “The news that New Zealand was sending a large expeditionary force to meet the Germans was very welcome in Great 'Britain, and brought forth many appreciative remarks about New Zealanders in the’ last war. Not only were they remembered for their splendid fighting qualities, but also for the fact that they have always acquitted themselves as gentlemen. Shabby Headquarters

“The High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan, and his wife are making good in London, and both are very papular and much respected for their industry and sincerity,” added Sir Henry. “But in this respect it is worth pointing out that the premises in which "they arc housed in the Strand arc a disgrace to the Dominion. “The offices are inadequate, shabby, and [badly arranged, and give the impression that they want a good spring cleaning. All New Zealanders express themselves as being thoroughly ashamed of the place. The staff is efficient, hard-working and courteous, but no one can ’be proud of New Zealand’s headquarters in London,”