Wairarapa Times-Age TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1942. AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1942, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 1942. AN EXCELLENT INVESTMENT.

VEW ZEALANDERS who have Binds at disposal, in large or small amounts, cannot employ them more worthily, or with more prudent wisdom, than in responding to and supporting in practical fashions the Bonds for Bombers campaign which was opened yesterday. Even if it were regarded from a. comparatively narrow standpoint of self-interest, the offer of the bonds would have its obvious attractions. On the easy terms 01. investing in an interest-bearing security—bonds with a redemption value of £1 and upwards—the people of the Dominion have the opportunity of contributing directly to the expansion ol: an all-important branch of the lighting forces on whose efforts and sacrifices our continued existence as a free people definitely depends. Simple prudence dictates a spontaneous and generous response to the appeal to buy Bonds for Bombers. There are at the same time, of course, better and bigger reasons for lending liberal aid financially Io the expansion of our Air Force. Throughout the British Empire and in Allied countries there is a rising demand today lor offensive action against the common enemy. As fighting leaders and others are constantly pointing out, the speediest possible expansion of air power is one of the most vital conditions to be satisfied if that demand is to be met. In Greece and Crete, and more recently in Hong Kong, Malaya and the Dutch East Indies, we have seen Allied land and sea forces, sacrificed, in spite of heroic efforts, because they could not be given adequate air support. In the telling blows that are being Struck at present by Australian and American airmen at Japanese invasion bases on the northern approaches to Australia, it may be hoped that there is a beginning, though only an early beginning, of better things in store. Powerful and sustained effort is demanded, however, and part of that effort must be made by the people to whom it is open, at some sacrifice if need be, to provide the money that will finance the greatest possible expansion of aircraft and other fighting equipment. A very high standard of. liberal and generous contribution evidently is called lor if it is to be worthy of the deeds and sacrifices of the men, many of them mere lads, who man our fighting aircraft. Appeals like that now being made have a special value in tapping resources which cannot be tapped fully by any system of State taxation or ordinary borrowing. An element of margin of necessity enters even into what is called taxation to the limit. The heaviest taxation that is practicable, that is to say, leaves untouched some resources -which in times like these ought to be thrown into the scale for victory. Voluntary economy and saving like that called for in the Bonds for Bombers campaign serves two great purposes, both of them excellent. In addition to building up the fighting equipment and strength of the nation, it withdraws from present circulation a volume of purchasing power which could not be left in operation without making for inflation by which the whole community would suffer. This emphatically is a period in which all resources that remain after making provision tor genuine necessities should be poured without, stint into Bonds for Bombers, and applied to similar purposes as time goes on until victory has been won.