FARMING PROGRESS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 5 June 1940, Page 9

FARMING PROGRESS

MANAWATU WINTER SHOW. RELATION TO WAR EFFORT. • While everyone deplored the intervention of war with its devastating toll of human life and suffering, together with the inevitable dislocation of the business of the country, it was the duty of all, especially those holding responsible public positions, to refrain from any action suggestive of panic that may lead to a weakening in the spirit and determination of the people. Thus stated the president of the Manawatu find West Coast A. and P. Association (Mr C. E. Vile) in commenting on the conditions arising from the war and their relation to the Manawatu Winter Show, to be held next -week. Even though at the moment the Empire was facing the greatest crisis in its history nothing in the nature of a defeatist attitude should be permitted to break down our will to win, Mr Vile added. The unparalleled heroism of our kinsmen at the scene of conflict was a noble example of courage, fortitude and inspiration which all must emulate. “We must,” said Mr Vile, “preserve our morale by continuing our private and public avocations, and it is in that spirit that the Winter Show is opening its session next Tuesday. Primarily the association stands for agricultural progress, and now as never before must the energies of all employed in the production of farm products be devoted to that end. Under the dark shadow of the war which is now being waged with increasing intensity and the tragic consequences necessarily associated with a conflict such as our Empire is now engaged in, it becomes a I matter of very great concern to all, both from the military and civil viewpoints, as to their responsibilities in the preservation of our nation and the industrial life of its component parts. “Naturally the defence of the Empire is of paramount‘importance and all our strength and resources must bo exerted without cessation until our grave defenders on land, sea and in the

air are triumphant. In the full confidence of the ultimate victory of our fighting forces it behoves all others in civil life to carry their full share in whatever avenues they are best fitted to perform their part.

“In this connection not only must the men-at-arm 6 be'adequately provided with everything needed for the prosecution of the war, but it is essential also that as far as can possibly be done industrial life and the business of the country mu6t be maintained at its highest degree of efficiency. Now has come the.crucial test of our ability to rise to a national need, and our response to the clarion call must be demonstrated in terms of sustained systematic effort and selfsacrificing service in whatever direction the energies of all can serve to the b§st advantage. “In its dire need the Motherland has made a call to New Zealand for increased food . supplies for the maintenance of her armed and civil population, and it is our bounden duty to meet this emergent request to the utmost. In this fertile land with its great agricultural and pastoral resources it is within our power materially to augment the production of many farm commodities that are essentially necessary at this time. Let us, therefore, without delay set ourselves resolutely to the task before us. Mr Vile said that Parliament had been vested with extremely wide powers to mobilise and control the full resources of the Dominion and all were now eagerly awaiting the revelation of whatever plans the Government and its advisers may have in mind to meet the emergency that has arisen. Farmers, for instance, only wanted competent direction, supported by the essential element of co-op-eration, to enable them to concentrate on such lines of production as would serve the nation to the utmost. As president of a large and influential A. and P. association, Mr Vile felt 6ure that he was voicing the desires of every member in saying that individually and collectively all would strive to effect a common purpose. If use could be made of the association’s organisation and the practical advice of its members of wide experience that service, and co-operation would be freely given, concluded Mr Vile.