YEAR’S EFFORT

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21208, 3 September 1940, Page 7

YEAR’S EFFORT

DOMINION AND WAR 23,000 TROOPS MOBILISED AIR FORCE CONTRIBUTION (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) DUNEDIN, Monday “I think New Zealand can look with pride on its first year’s contribution to the Empire war effort, and I have every confidence in our ability to do our part until victory shall have been achieved,” said the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, in an interview on the eve of the first anniversary of the Dominion’s entry into the war with Germany. New Zealand’s response so far had been magnificent, the Miinster said, and the young men of today, as well as all those people in the community who were backing them up, had shown a spirit no less valiant than their forebears had shown 25 years ago. Elaborate arrangements made two or three years in advance in case they should be required had enabled the Government to step off immediately on the outbreak of war, Mr Jones said. Consequently it was now able to look back on a year of intense activity and of supremely gratifying results. Enlistments Exceed 65,000 More than 23,000 soldiers had been sent overseas or were in training. Nearly 13,000 fit men were waiting to go to camp, and enlistments up to the closing of the voluntary system had numbered more than 65,000. In addition more than 15,000 men had offered their services for the Air Force, while some 500 men had already gone overseas, as well as 400-odd who had left prior to the war. Moreover, the Dominion had entered into an arrangement to supply an ever-increasing number of pilots, gunners and observers under the Empire air scheme, of which such important results were being expected in the ultimate achievement of victory. Hard Work For Cabinet The Minister also reviewed the steps taken for home defence, the expansion of the Territorial Forces, and the formation of other units designed on both local and national lines, and contrasted all this with the position at the outbreak of the war. It had meant much hard work and long hours for members of the Cabinet, some of whom were now associated with representatives of the Opposition in the War Cabinet, but he thought the results had been worth while. “Twelve months ago we gave a solemn pledge to assist Great Britain,” the Minister added. “We have done our best, with the co-operation of the people of New Zealand, to redeem that pledge and will continue our efforts to that end to the utmost of our ability and with all the resources at our command.”