NEW ZEALAND’S RESPONSE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20908, 13 September 1939, Page 6

NEW ZEALAND’S RESPONSE

New Zealand’s response to the call for young men who are willing to give war service overseas or wherever they are required gives resounding proof that the manhood of today is as willing as ever to serve the country in time of need. All over the Dominion men flocked to the registration offices, and it is evident that there would be no difficulty in filling the quota at present set by the Government several times over. The offers of service are not made lightly, but with a full appreciation of the responsibility involved. It is the same in every part of the Empire—a heartening spirit that gives confidence and courage to those in the lead of the Empire’s affairs. In spite of the hatred of war and puzzlement that the mentality of the Nazi High Command should make war inevitable, New Zealanders and their brothers throughout the Empire have accepted the “challenge to decency” in a spirit that compels admiration. Before the present call was made in the Dominion for men willing to serve anywhere, enrollments in the national reserve had reached the fine total of 30,000, and the rate has recently been increasing steadily. It is convincing evidence that the nation’s patriotism and morale are as sound as ever.

The type of men offering for service is particularly pleasing. The men who helped to make the name of Anzac famous have no reason to be ashamed of the quality of those who are following in their footsteps. New Zealand has already made a notable contribution to British arms by sending to England numbers of young men who have made their mark in the Air Force. Some, unfortunately, have made the supreme sacrifice already. Those who have joined the Air Force are of magnificent type physically and mentally, and Britain has not been slow to show her gratitude that the junior partners in the Empire have been able to produce men and soldiers of such high calibre.