PUBLIC OPINION

Taranaki Daily News, 23 September 1940, Page 8

PUBLIC OPINION

H. H. MOLLER.

views on current topics the spitfire fund (To the Editor.) Sir,— I have followed with interest. th® growth of the Spitfire fund, and it needless to say how disappointed I am at the lack of interest taken in this worhy cause, as is proved by the small amount of money collected. A lot of people have given generously, also children have done their bit, but we have a population of 75,000 people ir Taranaki and have collected the miser« able sum of £3000. What of the thou-. sands of people who have given nothing? Probably several thousands of these people could each afford to give pounds but have not thought much about it. I wonder ' how highly they value their safety, which we can only keep with the help of the Air Force, the Army, and! the Navy. I appeal to all those who have not yet given to give all they can afford immediately, as this fund closes at the end of the month, and it is sa worthy of support. Have they thought of the hundreds of Taranaki boys who have joined the Air Force and of those who have given their lives for their country. Surely these facts should stir that something in a person to make them wish to help in every way possible. We in Taranaki should be givmg three Spitfires instead of one! The amount of £19,500 could easily be raised if everybody put their heart into it. Would not our Taranaki pilots on active service be proud to see three fighting planes named "South Taranaki," "Central Taranaki" and "North Taranaki" lined up all ready for them to pilot against Hitler's brutal and ruthless killers who unleash their bombs and kill innocent civilians without any regard for military objectives. Our boys would certainly be proud of the people at home and realise that their thoughts are with them and that' their task is not in vain. We must realise that the Air Force is fighting our fight for us, and surely it is not too mucn. foi? us all to give, and give generously to the funds so badly needed to pay for theSe fighting planes. After all, the comfort and safety we enjoy through the courage of our Air Force, Army and Navy is worth big sacrifices on our part. We are so safe living in peace in our country, which has not suffered damage, that it is probably hard for some people to realise what suffering the English people are going through and the terrific damage that has been, and is being, done to their beautiful country. If we realise this we must rfespond with pleasure. I wrote a letter on June 10 to the Evening Fost while at Wellington suggesting a fund to buy fighting planes. At that time I enclosed a cheque for £10, but there was nothing done about it at the time. However, it is still not too late. now is the time to act and remember the good old slogan: Do it now.— I

am, etc.,

New Plymouth, September 21.