DEEDS-NOT WORDS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 310, 31 December 1940, Page 9

DEEDS-NOT WORDS.

USE ALL RESOURCES. PRIME MINISTER'S MESSAGE. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Monday. "There is little I need say to remind the people of Xew Zealand of the series of events which have marked 1940—the grim progress of the war and its effect* throughout the world are familiar to all," said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, in his Xew Year message. "Great perils have Leon surmounted by the British people," Mr. Fraser continued. "At no time have they been disheartened or dismayed, at no time have they faltered in their determination to stand by their ideals. The peoples of the British Commonwealth are not prepared to accept the so-called new order of tyrannical dictatorship which the aggressor nations are attempting to impose upon the world.

"The British Commonwealth is now the only world Power actively defending tho.-e hard-won liberties and institutions built up over a thousand 3 r ears and upon which modern civilisation is based, although our courageous and determined ally Greece is waging a victorious cumpangn, crowned by outstand. ing successes, against the Italian aggressor, while the United States of America is rendering magnificent assistance by placing her vast material resources with unprecedented generosity at our service.

Planning and Courage. "The people of Britain are carrying on calmly and confidently building up their defences, increasing their army and striking back at the enemy in everincreasing force on land, sea and air. In the past few weeks Aur force* in Egypt have shown their mettle, and their victory is a splendid tribute to the skilful planning and courage which characterises the British Army. "Throughout the year the men and women of the United Kingdom have covered themselves with honour. In towns and cities scarred by constant raids they are carrying on. Their courageous example is beyond praise and ie an inspiration to the people of the whole world. "Here in New Zealand we can best show our heartfelt admiration and gratitude in deeds rather than words, by organising our own war service as we are doing in accordance with our full strength and our total resources." Much had already been done in NewZealand, said Mr. Fraeer, who outlined various aspects of the country's war effort, with particular reference to the Dominion's soldiers, sailors and airmen, who have worthily upheld the best traditions of the armed eervices.

Aid For Britain. "I am proud to say that no request which Britain has made to us has failed to meet with an immediate and favourable response," the Prime Minister continued. "We would gladly do more if we could. While much hae been done, most formidable tasks still lie ahead of us, and we must make 1941 a year of tremendous national effort. There is need for still greater effort, for harder work and for still greater efficiency.

"Our shipping losses present formidable difficulties which can only be met and successfully overcome by the. united efforts of all concerned —freezing companies, cool store workers, transport workers, shipping companies, seamen and waterside workers. Above, all, there is the need for unity. I would like to appeal once again to every man and woman to co-operate in the fullest possible way with the Government in the prosecution of the war. "To waste time and energy in petty quarrels while the nation is involved in a life and death struggle is shameful and unworthy of a democratic people. This is no time for'eniphasising political differences. All our combined energies must be concentrated on one object alone —the attainment of victory.

"The burdens of the war are already immense. The estimated cost in money this financial year is £37,500,000. Next year the sum will be increased. We can only meet this huge expenditure now and ultimately by our own efforte, from our own sources of real wealth. We have the resources. Let us develop them to the full, even at the same time at the cost of consuming lees ourselves. Fortunately our standards of living are among the highest in the world, and there are great numbers of our people who can afford temporarily to make the individual sacrifices which are and will be inevitably required. ' When Troops Return. "This does not mean that the social advances made in recent years will be lost. On the contrary * we are fighting for the maintenance' of our high social and economic etandards as well as for political freedom and the right as a nation to order our own lives as we our-

selves think fit, which is the very essence of liberty. Those of us who remain at home must see to it that full preparation is made to look after all the men who return from overseas and to make certain that the provision made is full and generous.

"As Prime Minister I would like to take this opportunity of assuring the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Government's determination to do evervthing possible to assure their successful return to civil life, and, in addition, to assist and support all those, who, because of the effects of war, may be unable to take their places again in civilian rank*.

"We realise our debt, and we will honour it to the utmost of our capacity." the Prime .Minister concluded. "To our men overseas, in the Navy, the Army, the Air Force and mercantile marine, the nurses and all other war workers, and to all of you in New Zealand. I extend cordial greetings and every wish for happiness and good fortune in the Xew Year."