THE LIBERTY LOAN.

Taihape Daily Times, 13 April 1918, Page 4

THE LIBERTY LOAN.

MONDAY THE LAST D.

A FINAL APPEAL,

In another part of this Journal theji Eight Hon. Sir. Joseph Ward, of Finance, issues a reminder that Monday is the date fixed for the closing the Liberty Loan of £9,500,000 now on the market. Those of our readers who have not already invested • every shilling they can spare areufgetJ"' to do so now. There, unfortunately r can be no decrease iif the aggregate amount of the money required for war .expenditure, because the longer the ,', war lasts the ' more proportionately j! must the expenditure increase. It is therefore absolutely necessary to raise large loans and the magnificent response to previous appeals leads us to believe that the -people of New Zealand will not prove wanting on this occasion. The National Government promptly responded to the urgent call made by Mr. Lloyd George, and gave an assurance that nothing would be left undone to support ' our fighting men and assist in bringing about the decisive victory and permanent peace which all so earnestly desire. Men and money and money and men are .the essentials for carrying out our in discharging this obligation. It is imperative that the money asked for should be obtained, for if the government fails to find the money it cannot continue to pay the country's soldiers. Failure in this respect therefore would mean the repudiation of those principles to which Great Britain and her allies are committed, and for which our Anzacs are fighting. Naturally the Minister of Finance would like to see the whole loan provided by voluntary subscription,, but although the financial needs of the Dominion are so pressing to learn that there are still people in the country who apparently fail to recognise that the Empire is at war; that our national existence and the liberty of the world are at stake. It is consequently gratifying to note that stringent measures are to be taken to deal with these financial shirkers and that legislation now before Parliament provides that persons Avho have the means but fail to do their duty will be compelled to do so at a less rate of interest than ; . is being paid to voluntary subscribers. ; . Sir Joseph Ward is not asking for a,, gift, but for a loan, and offers t vestment in a gilt-edged security-HB&e<-• best security in the world, the ion of New Zealand. As a matter ofr prudence those who can possibly do so should take advantage of this offer and put by as ruuch as they can afford. After the war the whole world must. : be reorganised, and then a few pounds,: will bo of the greatest assistance t 0. ,(( those who can command it... We ask i J them to save money and lend it to.the,Government. It is therefore not only patriotic but wise, for in helping to carry on the war and backing up the men at the front the investors are making provision for the proverbial rainy day. The battle against evil continues, and those who stay at home must recognise their duty to the brave ' men who have left their homes and all that they hold dear to fight for honour and liberty. The soldiers, will fight valiantly on, but must be supported by those who cannot fight themselves, but whose money can at this very moment. The Germans are using to the utmost their resources of men and money, if the Empire is sound at heart, and who dare say it is not, and we put our full financial strength into the fight w£. can surpass the Hun in every essential of warfare. New Zealanders have the opportunity to help in a very tangible clothe, feed, arm and pay landers at the front, and should do so to the full extent of their means by purchasing war certificates at the post offices or investing in Treasury Bonds now offered. Money is a vital need; silver bullets are as essential as high explosive shells, for without the former the latter are unobtainable Every pound is needed, and nearly all may fight for investing in the War Loan, and lending their money to their country in the hour of need, The freedom of humanity, the overthrowing of military oppression, the indivi-. dual liberty which gives every man a voice in the government of his country, and the justice, which should be every man's birthright, call for a most generous response, and the Government's determination that-the responsibility of maintaining the gloriourf legacy bequeathed to us by our ancestors must be equally shared will be warmly supported throughout thi» Dominion.