WAR SERVICE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 5

WAR SERVICE.

FIRM’S EXAMPLE. ENTIRE STAFF OFFERS. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, May 12. The- entire staff of A. S. Paterson and Co., Ltd., in Auckland lias decided to form itself into a unit available for present and emergency war work. Civil and defence authorities are being approached with the object of placing the services of the unit at the disposal of the country. . All members of the staff were gravely concerned at the present position and what the future might hold for the whole world, their Empire and their own country of New- Zealand, said a statement issued on their behalf on Saturday. “One aspect they are most concerned about is the dreadful and obvious state of individual and collective apathy in which New Zealand appears to be wrapped at present,” the statement added. “They feel that unless something is done about it New Zealanders arc laying themselves open to the same condition of affairs as exists to-day in the overrun and devastated small countries of Europe.” Every member of the office, sales and store staffs would be included in tlie unit, it was stated. Among the staff were a / number of executive men who served in the last war and were unfit for active service, though they were otherwise fit and capable. There were also other senior men, junior cent, and typist staff. Twenty per cent, of the staff were now in khaki and had been since the outbreak of war, and the proportion would soon be up to 25 per cent. “Consistent with the efficient conduct of the business in which they are concerned, every member is available for war work and is prepared to devote a substantial portion of his or her time out of business hours for anything which is required,” the statement concludes. “Office facilities and the entire organisation will be available.”