NEW ZEALAND’S WAR EFFORT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21364, 7 March 1941, Page 4

NEW ZEALAND’S WAR EFFORT

The extent of New Zealand’s undertakings in the present war has been emphasised by the Prime Minister in his latest review. Comparisons with the Great War show that the country has 25 per cent, more men of military age, but there are so many more demands upon manpower that it is obvious that all will be needed in some capacity. As Mr Fraser pointed out, the fact that the British Empire had the Japanese Navy to rely upon in the last war made a great difference to New Zealand’s responsibilities. Now, besides meeting the insistent call for men overseas, the Dominion finds it necessary to prepare a large home defence force which was not considered necessary in 1914-18.

In every aspect this war effort must be greater than the last. The peril is greater and even more is at stake. In the first 18 months of the conflict New Zealand has expended five times as much money as in 1914-15, the respective costs being £40,000,000 and £8,000,000, but expenditure is bound to mount higher yet. And apart from the need for fighting strength a greater productive effort is required. Many of the sources of Britain’s supply in the last war, on the whole of the western coast of Europe, have been cut off. New Zealand owes the duty to supply every pound of foodstuffs that ships can be found to carry. Thus in every phase of the Dominion’s life the policy must be greater and still greater effort. In spite of the allegation that New Zealanders have become soft and decadent, it is a notable fact that a considerably greater proportion of those called for military service comply with the standard of physical fitness than in the last war. There has been no lowering of the standard required; in fact, the use of the X-ray on this occasion has revealed many weaknesses that might have passed unnoticed 20 years ago. New Zealand troops now in the field are indeed a credit to their country, and they can be relied upon to give a good account of themselves against any enemy, provided those left at home ensure a constant supply of food and equipment. That is the great need. Industries must be organised and manned with every ounce of energy available. Manpower, ships, munitions and food are the Empire’s great need. They are the sinews of war, and war to the last ditch is the only thing that will save civilisation now.