THE SINEWS OF WAR.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1916, Page 4

THE SINEWS OF WAR.

The Minister for Finance is said to be pleased with tlie results of the War Loan, but this is an occasion when one and all are urged to do their best to make the loan an assured success. There should be no need for urging, but there may bo many who believe their contributions are so small as not to be worth the trouble of investing. This is a mistaken attitude. The Minister distinctly states that sums ranging as low as 10s 1 are acceptable, and he has provided special means to suit small investors. The occasions are rare when appeals of this character are made, but necessity now calls, and everyone who can spare any coin is showing a true patriotic instinct in placing his or her mite to the credit of the loan. There is little difficulty in subscribing to the loan. Should they possess a Post Office savings bank account they have merely to sign a form that will transfer any amount they desire to the war loan, the authorises attending to the rest. It should also be distinctly remembered that the loan carries a fair rate of interest, but, if after purchasing certificates a person should find it necessary to raise money himself, these bonds are negotiable and can be purchased by others, so that those obliged to can "unload" later on. Again, to the unthinking but money-holding individual, it may be pointed out that if he cannot shoulder a musket lie can help to mould a silver bullet. Mr. Lloyd George, in one of his great speeches, remarked that money will play an important part in winning the war, and after two years of continuous strife and untold expenditure the British sovereign still holds its value in foreign countries. But this appeal to the public is something more than a money-raising effort. It is a pledge and a demonstration to the world of our firm and fixed determination to see this war through to a successful finish, and to bear our full share of the burden entailed. It is not. after all, a very big tiling to ask of the public. The money is needed to help our sons and brothers, friends, and neighbors who are fighting so bravely in France and Egypt. Every little helps. Every pound will be wanted. The investment itself is, of course, an excellent one, apart from' tlie object of the loan. The only danger of the loan failing to realise expectations lies in the possibility of the people oj small means regarding the small assistance they individually may be able to render as unimportant. Their assistance is especially asked, and special provision has been made whereby they can help. Just now the Government is addressing the small investor and relying upon 3um to do his share, however small, to help the country in its hour of trial. '