NATIONAL WAR SAVINGS

Press, Volume LXXXI, Issue 24483, 5 February 1945, Page 2

NATIONAL WAR SAVINGS

“ STEADY AND CONTINUED EFFORT " TOTAL NOW EXCEEDS £30,000,000 “It is with a sense of pride of achievement that I am able .to tell the people of New Zealand that fheir war savings have now reached the colossal sum of £30,018,517,” said Mr T. N. Smallwood, chairman of the New Zealand National War Savings Committee, in announcing that another landmark had been passed in the progress of this movement which plays so important a part in our country’s wai* economy. “This total represents investments since the inception of National Savings in October, 1940,* up to December 31, 1944. “To appreciate the real significance of this figure, it must be realised that it is the result of a steady and continued 'effort by many thousands—in fact, hundreds of thousands of people —whose resolute ■ determination, typical of that displayed by our fighting men, has,enabled them to, put aside a small but regular contribution to National Savings. “Of the total of £30,018,517,” continued Mr Smallwood, “Natiohal Savings Bonds have produced £10.231,495, while £19,787,022 represents investments in more than 451,000 National Savings accounts. That the importance of National Savings is widely appreciated is reflected in the fact that during the last nine months of the current financial year, the substantial sum of £9,250,947 has been contributed.” ’ Increased Savings, Necessary Mr Smallwood, in expressing'his appreciation of the very ready and gratifying response that has met all appeals by his committee for increased saving, emphasised the fact that although much had been achieved, much yet remained to be accomplished. “We are all more than pleased to see victory looming on the European horizon,” added Mr Smallwood, “but it would be a cruel victory were it to bring a spirit of complacency over our people. Our will to win, our'resolve to sacrifice, our determination to save—these qualities that have brought so handsome a reward must bq continued to the very end, and I appeal to all New Zealanders not only to continue to save, but to increase their savings and thereby lay a sure and solid foundation for the enjoyment of that peace which is being bought at so tremendous a cost."