PRODUCTION OF MUNITIONS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 February 1941, Page 4

PRODUCTION OF MUNITIONS.

r pi!<H'(lß it is east in somewhat general terms, a statement by tlm Minister of Supply ami Munitions (Mr. Sullivan) mi the subject of the manufacture of munitions in New Zealand suggests that substantial progress is now being made in a vital branch of war enterprise. The Dominion of course works in this matter under some inevitable limitations on account of the restricted range of its manufacturing industries and the dilTiculty. in existing conditions, of obtaining plant, materials ami components from overseas. It is clear from the Minister’s state men! however, that a good deal is being done am! that more is likely to be done in the comparatively near future, partly as a result of the arrangements for collaboration m war industry and supply math* at the reormt Eastern Group (.’miferencc at New Delhi. It should bi- and no doubt will be recognised that within the limits of practicable action, the production of munitions of war should be developed with an energy and resolution not inferior to that I trought to bear upon the organ is,-i tmn of tigh! iiig forces. While it is demanded tirst and foremost as one very necessary com ri but ion to the total var effort of the Empire. She production of munitions in this country has its obvious importance also as ji bears on the question of the defence of the Dominion against possible attack. Looking further ahead the <. nergei m ami enterprising development of munitions pro,im-tmn should serve an excellent purpose ultimately in helping to open the v, a,', to the expansion of maunfjet tiring industry in this c< nnlry when the war is over. I'he war inevitably will impose heavy additional burdens, including that of an im'i'i-iisol overseas d'-ht. and it is ess.-ut :.d to the future e.-onoime stability and security of the D.>m -imm tlia’ it s’mmid pro\ub- ut good time for the fulb-s! j- I j>l<>f its total productive resources I; is e.dl.-d upon to .... ;i i: , present in a vital emergency of war In days come a i-.mi,> a ng effort on similar lines will lie mwessa rv m order that g.,. -"o|>|e oj the Dominion may meet ’leir obhga’ious and td'ovidi* id'-‘juate'y for their own economic needs.