GOOD RESPONSE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 December 1940, Page 7

GOOD RESPONSE

MADE BY NEW ZEALAND TO WAR CALLS PRIME MINISTER’S SURVEY. GRATITUDE TO FIGHTING SERVICES. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON. This Day. The response of practically every section of the people to all the needs of war had been satisfactory; whether it was the call to arms, the call for greater effort, for increased production for sacrifice of time or wealth, as a rule it had been the same —willingness to give and work for the common cause —but more, much more required to be done, said the Prime Minister. Mr. Fraser, in a statement last night. "We have men fighting in the Middle East and others waiting at any moment to take their part in whatever theatre of war they are required,” Mr. Fraser said. "Some of our soldiers arrived in the United Kingdom at a time when invasion had become a real threat. We know that their appearance, along with their Australian and Canadian comrades at that particular moment, thrilled and still further encouraged the brave people of Britain and warmed their hearts with living testimony to the unity and solidarity of the people of the far-flung Dominions with the Motherland. We have been proud that our men should have the privilege of occupying a post of honour and danger in the defences of the United Kingdom.

AIRMEN AND SAILORS. ”Our airmen have been conspicuous for their magnificent valour and skill and they continue to bring great honour to themselves and to tneir country, as do our sailors also —the men of the Achilles and the Leander —and the other units of the Navy. "The war has become a tragic reality to those homes in New Zealand which today mourn a son, who has given his life that freedom may live, who has laid down his life for his and our cause. To all bereaved parents and families, I extend the sincere sympathy of the Government and of the people of the Dominion. We share, as far as we can share, the grief of the stricken mothers and fathers and pray that they may be comforted with the knowledge that the heroism of their brave sons has helped to save the human race from unspeakable degradation. "The tide of war has rolled up to our shores, some of our New Zealand ships have been destroyed by raiders, some of them comparatively close to New Zealand. Those in deep anxiety and uncertainty as to the fate of their loved ones who were aboard those ships are entitled to our sympathy in their time of distress. It is hoped that those aboard the various ships attacked were taken aboard the ’raider and that before long news of them will be available. That is my sincere hope. MILITARY SERVICE. "During the year the Government found it necessary to replace the voluntary system of recruiting with an all-embracing scheme of compulsory military service. This course was rendered essential by the rapid deterioration of the situation overseas, which brought the clouds of war much nearer to our own shores. It was unavoidable if the nation's unity was to be main; tained, Though the response under the voluntary system had been splendid, and some 80,000 men had answered the call for the three services, nevertheless our nation's war effort demanded still greater endeavours and greater equality of service, and, as far as possible. greater equality of sacrifice. The principle of compulsion for both military and civil service, for property as well as for persons, was established. "The first ballot for Territorial service was held in September, and the territorial system has been expanded to provide a force adequate in numbers and equipment for home defence. Today for every man and woman an avenue of service has been provided, not only in the regular armed services, but in the Home Guard, the Emergency Precautions Scheme, the auxiliary fire fighting service, the Women’s War Service Auxiliary organisation, the Order of St. John, the Red Cross, and the various national, provincial and local patriotic organisations. "We have begun in this country also to produce war materials and ammunition. In numerous ways and manufacturing industries have met new demands created by the scarcity of war conditions. There has been a notable increase in the value of factory production, and a similar increase in production as a whole. The momentum is growing despite the fact that 50,000 men have already been taken from industry for the armed forces. PRIMARY PRODUCTION.

“Primary producers for their part have continued their efforts with remarkable results. Food and raw materials have been sent to Britain in increased quantities. In response to Britain's call for more production in certain fields, the New Zealand farmer has set a splendid example to the whole community. The change-over from butter to cheese has resulted in an increase in the export figure from 30,009 tons to 92.000 tons. Butter exports have also increased by 12,000 tons. This season, aided by most favourable conditions, further increases are expected, specially in dairy and meat production.”