AROUSING REAL PATRIOTISM

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 49, 6 May 1942, Page 4

AROUSING REAL PATRIOTISM

TO-MORROW'S mass meeting in the Grand Theatre is aim etl at arousing- within New Zealand something resembling the true spirit of Patriotism. It aims at banishing lethaigy and complacency and awaking public opinion up to the realities of the grave dangers-which threaten these shores. Too many people have allowed their hopes to blind them to the true extent of the danger. Every one hopes that there will be no invasion— naturally enough. But should this fond hope be allowed to dictate the conduct of our preparations? Should it be allowed to throw us off our guard for an instant? This is no ordinary war, conducted upon orthodox lines! As in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and Oceania, it is liable to-break out in any quarter at any moment. War to New Zealand, is infinitely more real to-day than it was two, one or half a year ago. The ugly shadow is already stretched over Australia. Yet to-day we find that in our midst we have staleness ancV disbelief setting in. Admittedly there is some excuse for this negative feeling and weakness. For months past we have listened to promise upon promise pf arms and equipment without any chance of fulfilment. This treatment has bred its own reward of disillusionment disparagement and inferiority. In a word we have grown stale' on the job. We cannot be bothered even with realities and each crashing truth which heralds the closer approach of danger merely leaves us the more incredulous and casehardened to possibilities. We hate considering the ghastly alternative,, yet if we are to handle this thing firmly that we must do. Not merely would our beloved country be sacrificed, but we as a people would simply go down as a memory in the annals of history. Bitter thoughts but ones •which cannot be avoided and therefore must be faced without flinching and with unconquerable faith and courage. Dees every man and woman in this country realise these things? Are they awake to the pressing need of stalwart belligency? Collectively to a man, we are strong and can be relied upon to give a good account of ourselves, but with last minute recruits and a heavy percentage panic passengers' we will go down as others have a few short weeks ago. To-day is the day when we must help ourselves to the utmost. We must co-operate with any movement likely to assist in the better arming and equipping of our defence forces. Every effort we make right now means the construction of a more powerful defence, which even if never put to the test will most certainly have helped to divert it. Serious days lie ahead and with the military,head's of the combined Anglo-American Command openly acknowledging New Zealand as the Pacific 'hot spot' who is there to deny the need for looking to our defences with every ounce of vigour and ingenuity at our command.