PATIENCE AND STAMINA

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20922, 29 September 1939, Page 4

PATIENCE AND STAMINA

Patience was described by Mr J. A. Lee in the House of Representatives as one of the most important national characteristics with a bearing on the conduct of the war. It is indeed a quality that might yet prove a decisive factor if the struggle is to be prolonged—and there are many indications that it may be prolonged. Some people, and particularly some nationalities, display tremendous patriotic fervour when the battle is at its height or when spectacular progress is being made, but they do not always possess the stamina and staying powers which will be particularly valuable in the struggle now being waged.

In many respects the war so far has been a contradiction of what was expected. Most people thought a decision would be reached through a series of lightning strokes which by the very extent of their destructiveness would decide the issue one way or another. Certainly the German conquest of Poland, assisted by the Russians, was swift and spectacular enough, but it was merely a preliminary phase to the greater conflict to come. Now it seems that a final decision will be reached either by diplomatic and political action or by a long-sustained struggle between the opposing armies. The Nazis have been educated in the belief that Germany is capable of dealing a sudden knock-out blow to any enemy, and the importance of patience will be discovered when the test of endurance comes.

Even now in New Zealand there is need for patience and steady courage on the part of the public. Important information regarding developments in the theatres of active war must often be withheld by the censor. The public does not yet know what will be required of it in the years to come. Some of the tasks allotted may be dreary and unspectacular. Qualities of leadership may not always seem satisfactory. All these circumstances require the exercise of patience and a continual guard against “war-weariness”—a condition that may contribute substantially to the collapse of the nation that is destined to be the loser in the conflict.