Loan Offensive

Southland Times, Issue 24888, 30 October 1942, Page 4

Loan Offensive

ACCORDING to figures printed this morning, Southland, investments in the second Liberty Loan now stand at £103,730. More than two-thirds of the distance to the province’s objective (£350,000) remains to be travelled, although slightly less than half the allotted period is still available. The experience of past campaigns encourages the belief that there will be a steady flow of applications as the time limit draws nearer. As always, there are intending subscribers who postpone the day of action. It is easy to drift into delay and hesitancy when so many other matters require attention; and in these days there are few business men and farmers who are not facing heavy demands on time and energy. Yet delays are dangerous in every phase of the war effort. The financial front may seem prosaic enough while the cable messages bring news of battle in Egypt. But there can be no battles without money, no victory without effort and sacrifice at home as well as in the forward positions where the guns are firing. The Liberty Loan can be recommended as a sound means of investment, and as a stabilizing influence for the post-war economy. Both these aspects have already been stressed. But the patriotic motive remains dominant.

The war is everywhere reaching a crucial stage. In his great speech last week General Smuts spoke of the change-over from defence to attack. The speech was still being discussed when news of the Allied offensive in Egypt was flashed across the world. In the Solomons the fighting is confused; but it is clear that important developments are in

the making. There is a feeling of expectancy, an awareness of great issues in the balance as the armies and fleets move into action. At such a time there should be no spectators. The mobilization of resources does not end with the calling up of men and the production of food and materials. Those who place their savings at the disposal of the State for war purposes are giving direct and important aid to their country and its allies. They are helping to increase the momentum of attack. As Mr W. G. Nield pointed out in a broadcast on Wednesday night, there is an offensive at home as well as across the seas. Investors in the Liberty Loan know that in lending their money they are doing a small thing compared with the sacrifices of men in the fighting services. But if they do it quickly and generously they will contribute to that sustained effort which alone can bring victory and peace.