Australia's Job Is To Keep Present Front Intact

Taranaki Daily News, 31 August 1942, Page 4

Australia's Job Is To Keep Present Front Intact

Japan's great resources of raanpower. Rec. 10.30 p.m. i Melbourne, Aug. 30. "If we are not careful we will probably suffer a baptism of fire on our soil before fhe best in us is brought to the surface." This grim warning was given by the Minister of the Army, Mr. F. M. Forde, when he hit out strongly against complacency. "We have been getting things too easily in Australia," he said. "We are too sanguine of success. No good purpose can be served by talking glibly in Austraia about opening a second front. Our job is to maintain the front already opened in the north and it is going to be no easy task." Japan had resources and manpower equal to Germany, said Mr. Forde. She also had under control in the conquered territories labour resources vastly exceeding those available in Germany. Her material resources were virtually inexhaustible. Japan could throw into action an army as large and almost as well equipped as the German army providing she could control her lines of communication. However, the Allied position in the south Pacific had substantially improved, due to the assistance of the United States and Britain, increased home production, expansion of the defence forces and the return of the A.I.F."

Austerity living is on the way. Rec. 10.35 p.m. Sydney, Aug. 30. Australia this week ushers in "austerity living" for the duration of the war. The new Federal Budget is to be pre~ sented this week and the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. J. Curtin, will give details of the £100,000,000 war loan to be launched in September. Mr. Curtin has called the loan "the greatest challenge to sacrifice ever mada to Australians." The new Budget will reflect the desire of the Government to discourage all forms of luxury spending. Sugar rationing has now been announced as starting on Monday; the scale has not been stated. Tobacco prices also will be increased and the excise duty raised on all alcoholic drinks. A new Federal entertainment tax will be levied on all tickets costing one shilling and over. The tax on 2s 6d tickets will be ninepence, and on 5s tickets it will be ls lOd rising to 5s 7d on tickets costing 12s. The tax is estimated to raise £3,000,000, of which £75,000 will be refunded to the States. Austerity meals at cafes and hotels are to be made compulsory by the Federal Government. This is expected to be done by a straight out ban on menus of more than three courses. The choice of each course will also be restricted to prevent food wastage. Some observers believe meatless days are likely but the suggestion has no official confirmation.