THE TIMES WE LIVE IN

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 303, 23 December 1939, Page 8 (Supplement)

THE TIMES WE LIVE IN

(By "TROOPER")

Every ex-service man looking out on the world to-day must feel mightily concerned with the events that meet his eyes. That the "peace" for which we believed we fought does not exist needs no emphasis. A freeh conflagration has started and present indications are that it will spread. What the future holds we can only guess at, backed by our determination to rid ourselves of this ruthless system of aggression, cruelty and lies. That we will eventually destroy this damnable system there can be no doubt, but it will cost us much in blood and treasure. Whatever our sacrifice this must be our aim. There is only one way to achieve it: co-oi>eration. With these fires or war flaring across the world we look nearer home, within our own shores. What do we see? Realising—as we must —the part we ex-servicemen and women played in the last war, are we to-day playing our full part ? Are we indeed playing a distinct part' in stemming this rot that appears to have set in, in our country? Our sons are preparing to give their all in the common cause of humanity. There is no "jingoism" about this. Yet, while

they so prepare they see everywhere the tragic spectacle of a country—their country—divided against itself. What political ambitions or otherwise actuate this disunity, whatever the cause, right or wrong, we ex-servicemen and women will fail dismally if we permit such a condition to continue. We have the right to expect and demand from all that efforts be directed to the great world-wide menace, affecting our shores as much as anywhere. If

jfc jfe jfc jfe jfe jfe jfe jfe jfe To all my readers, young and old, may I extend best wishes for the Christmas season, 1939. —" Trooper r &&&&&&&&&&&&!&

any ideology not connected with our war effort brings disruption in the ranks of the people, then we have a duty to perform, to demand that such be relegated to its proper place as something of lesser moment, to be dealt with at another time, if it must be dealt with at all. Value of Co-operation. We all remember how much we achieved In the actual war zones in days gone by through co-operation. We no doubt remember tragic instances where this did not prevail. Are we prepared to see this happen inside our own shores? There is every evidence of that happening, and we must feel ashamed and anxious. Ex-servicemen and women owe it to themselves, their sons and daughters and to New Zealand to develop an impartial mind, a truly New Zealand mind, untainted by any narrow partisanship. Looking New Zealand's welfare square in the face, we must realise that our welfare largely depends on the measure of protection we give to it within and without our own shores. This protection cannot be, secure anywhere without cooperation, tolerance, goodwill and determination. . These things we need. We have not got them. We should; at this time more than ever. We should demand them. If political or other interests; if unfairness to any section of our community stands in the way of our achieving them, we should insist that all internal differences be solved or abandoned, and the real job on hand done with every possible dispatch, even to insisting pn coalition of political parties, or allowing the electorate another opportunity of expressing its opinion. • We have enemies within our shores, as well as withouf, who can only be scotched by united effort. This is the duty of all sections and parties of right minded people, and not the least of these are we ex-servicemen and women. Let us play our part lest a terrible fate assail us, our country and our whole future. If we fail we are gambling with all we hold dear. There'is a war on— a "war that promises to become even more terrible than the last.