PATRIOTIC CONCERT

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24369, 22 September 1944, Page 9

PATRIOTIC CONCERT

♦— VICTORY LOAN CAMPAIGN

“The New Zealand soldiers as a whole are a contented lot, and when nwrale is high, capability is also high,” said Major ft. A. Young in an address given during the Victory Loan concert held last evening in aid of patriotic funds.

“It is imperative that the allotments to wives and mothers of men overseas be maintained; the funds for these allotments are provided in the Victory Loan,’’ continued Major Young. ‘lt is essential that our soldiers have the very best of equipment. This equipment becomes obsolete rapidly and there must be funds to buy new equipment. The money can come only from the war loan.”

A fighter aeroplane of the type needed to defeat the Japanese cost approximately £20,000; this meant only 50 aeroplanes to £1,000,000 sterling, said Major Young, and many more than 50 aeroplanes were needed. “There are only three ways of raising the necessary money,” continued Major Young. “It can be raised by taxation, by the creation of artificial credits or by loan. Can you stand more taxation, and do vou want the creation of artificial credits? Is it not the wisest way to raise the money by loan.” Major Young said that the men in the Pacific had come to realise that the Pacific was no paradise; they understood the grimness of the conditions under which they would be called on to fight, but we could depend upon them to do their job. It was up to the people at home in New Zealand to back them up. An excellent musical programme was provided by Mr Henri Penn (pianist) trad Miss Mary Pratt (contralto). Of special interest was the Christchurch Liedertafel’s presentation, under the conductorshin of Mr Victor C. Peters, of "V Song.” composed and played by Dr ,E. D. Pullon. Items were also given bv the 3YA Orchestra, conducted by Mr Will Hutchens and led by Miss Vivien Dixon.