WAR ORGANISATION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 December 1940, Page 2

WAR ORGANISATION

NEW ZEALAND’S PROGRESS. New Zealand, like other democracies, has found the task of organising her resources for war far from easy. Her position was already difficult at the outbreak of war because, among other things, her oversea financial resources were far from satisfactory. At the same time much of the experience gained in meeting the difficulties of the immediate pre-war period—particularly in regard to import licensing —has proved very useful. These were some of the comments of Mr Robert W. Gillespie, president of the Bank of New South Wales, when addressing the annual meeting of proprietors. Mr Gillespie drew attention to something which economists have been emphasising for some time. He pointed out that the rapidly expanding defence programme imposed a duty both on private individuals and the Government to curtail ordinary expenditure and expressed the opinion that, although statements by Ministers had shown that the Government appreciated the position, measures taken were far from adequate. Mr Gillespie made it clear that the transfer of 'resources to the unproductive { task of war entails centralised action I and a resolute lead from the Government. . I

In spite of its shortcomings, New Zealand’s war effort compares very favourably with Australia’s. Our import control has been much more effective, although there is still a great deal to be done before our war organisation is complete. Mr Gillespie, when referring to Australia, remarked that “the process of turning the resources of the country over to war purposes is still in its early stages.” Although he recognised that the problems were most complicated, he suggested that more determination would have resulted ’in greater progress. Neither New Zealand nor Australia has yet felt the burden of the war to any great extent. Both countries have been greatly assisted by the generous terms upon which Britain has purchased many primary products. We in New Zealand can expect to dispose of most of our products without difficulty and, as Mr Gillespie said, “the chief limits to what New Zealand can sell abroad are the availability of shipping and the productive capacity of the Dominion.” Shipping is outside New Zealand’s control, but steps are being taken to expand production, particularly of | butter and cheese. I