HOME DEFENCE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 234, 3 October 1942, Page 6

HOME DEFENCE

DANGER STILL NEAR

WARNING BV MINISTER

GISBORXE, this day

A warning that New Zealand was not out of danger of attack, and that the battlefront was only 2000 miles away was given by the Minister of Defence, Mr. F. Jones, during a speech at the official opening of the Garrison Hall. The entry of Japan into the war, he said, had brought new problems and new dangers, and the battle was going on not so very far away. If the Australians and Americans failed. to hold the enemy in the south-western Pacific ah enemy attack on New Zealand was in the realms of possibility.

"We must be watchful," he said, "but we know that the Territorials and Home Guard can be relied on if that time comes. The air force in New Zealand has increased tenfold since Japan came,into the war and its bomb carrying capacitv has increased forty-fold. Although "more bombers and fighters have been brought to New Zealand, we hope to get more from overseas. The navy, though small, is increasing in size. In protecting our waterways we are pleased to have the Americans with us in this all-in war in which few homes are not showine the effects."

New Zealand would be fortunate indeed if it escaped some of the consequences suffered by countries nearer the conflict, he added The Japanese were only 2000 miles away and we were living in serious times. Our civilisation was menaced as never before. We must work for victory. If we were to lose we would be at the mercy of the conquerors. We had a lot to lose, for we had built up conditions that were of the best The position called for the greatest unity by all sections. The dav when Sydney was shelled might well come to New Zealand. We had a long wav to go, but we must win. We would win. because we were a united people doing all we possiblv could for victory. Our first aim was to win the war, and until that time we must not change our course. Personal feelings must be set aside. We must do all we possibly could for the boys and girls overseas plaving an important part. "If you do vour share, they are doing theirs," he said.