HAZARDS FACED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 April 1941, Page 6

HAZARDS FACED

WITH HEROIC COURAGE & RESOLUTION BY NEW ZEALAND FORCES IN GREECE. PRIME MINISTER ON WAR DEMANDS. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) ROTORUA, April 22. “The struggle for the elementary principles of human decency is as much a fight for New Zealand as for England,” asserted the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, at a civic reception in Rotorua tonight, when reviewing the Dominion’s war effort. “With courage never surpassed, hearts and hopes steeled to face the ordeal and believing the battle to be for the principles of the difference between light and darkness, the people of Britain are facing the enemy.” ,■

The tragedy of the democratic countries was their failure to realise their strength in unity. France had succumbed, but would rise again under greater leaders. Referring more particularly to the heroic stand of the New Zealand troops in Greece, Mr Fraser said that Britain was bound in honour to come to the assistance of the Greeks. The fighters who stood at Marathon and Thermopylae had worthy successors in those who fought on the slopes of Mt. Olympus. “It is great, heroic and hazardous work, never surpassed in the history of the world, and every heart in this country is anxious for their safety. Some say another Dunkirk is ahead (the Prime Minister observed), but Dunkirk was one of the brightest and greatest episodes in our history. I am not a pessimist, and whatever may be the temporary outcome of events in the Middle East I know these Anzacs are laying the sure foundations of a sweeping victory. “When I travel in the Middle East and meet our troops I shall be able to carry to them a message of encouragement that wo shall assist in every way possible to support them, but we are determined to prove worthy of our representatives in Greece and that we have answered the call.” Stressing the need for fuller realisation of the danger facing the Dominion, Mr Fraser compared the difference he found between England and New Zealand when he returned 18 months ago. The spirit among the English had been that it was better to die as free men than to live as slaves and that the struggle should continue till victory for democracy was gained. Here he found the Christmas holiday season at its height. After deep consideration the Government had exercised powers of control over imports, petrol and the blackout that in peace time would have been intolerable and had found that these restrictions had been greeted with criticism and grumbling from some people. “Despite this, New Zealand has done well in rallying to the call of freedom and our front line of defence is now in Greece.”

With the three forces there were now more than 40,000 men overseas. Territorials in the Dominion had been strengthened from 30,000 to 40,000 and the Home Guard totalled 98,000. There were now 140,000 men enrolled to defend our shores should the need arise, also those serving in the E.P.S. and the Women’s War Service Auxiliary. Referring particularly to the Home Guard, Mr Fraser stated that nowhere had the response been better than in Rotorua. The response had been equally great in other directions, with the result that munition factories and engineering works were producing the maximum.

“Farmers can still help provide more cheese for Great Britain. Their efforts in increasing production have been appreciated by the New Zealand and British Governments.” While the Dominion was to be congratulated that 50.000 men had volunteered for overseas, it was considered fair that conscription should be introduced and the same principle applied to wealth. It was necessary for everyone to sink all they cherished in the struggle, including conditions ol labour, so they might be preserved. In conclusion. Mr Fraser paid a tribute to President Roosevelt, whose name he linked with those of Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln, for inspiring the American people till they realised that the battle for Britain was also a battle for the freedom that the United States loved. The moral and material forces of this country were now gathered so that international righteousness might prevail. The people wore never more united than now and if they stood firm in factories, offices and on the wharves to help those overseas to the best of their ability, practising the duly of sharing each others burdens, victoiy must be gained.