GIFTS FOR SOLDIERS’ COMFORTS

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 68, 13 December 1939, Page 10

GIFTS FOR SOLDIERS’ COMFORTS

Patriotic Seal Appeal OBLIGATIONS PLACED ON CIVILIANS “We hear it said all too frequently that New Zealanders apparently do not realize that we are al war, and ib-it we as part of the Empire, are engaged in a grim struggle for the maintenance of our freedom, for the emancipation of oppressed copies and for international justice,” said the deputy-chairman of the National Patriotic Council, Mr. R. 11. Niinmo, in a broadcast address last night. “A few weeks ago a photograph appeared in our daily newspapers of Flying Officer Mack, of Wellington, now interned in Belgium. Interned in a neutral country he will naturally be able to secure whatever clothing he desires aud whatever comforts are necessary, but have you given a thought to those of our men who have come down in Germany? They will only have the clothes in which they Hv.' We have all been thrilled with pride to read of the intrepid attacks of our airmen. We New Zealanders are naturally proud to know that prior to the war-time expansion one in every twelve pilots in the Royal Air Force was a New Zealander, and when we think for a moment of the epie flights of Flying Officer Kain, of the raids on Heligoland and Kiel, and over Berliu itself, we are naturally proud to think of the great part played by our New Zealand airmen in such brave aud daring adventures. Unfortunately, some are now wounded, and some also are prisoners of war. “The officers and men of the Royal Navy are facing danger 24 hours every day iu order to keep our trade routes open, and associated with them are many of New Zealand’s sons. Our own defence forces are intensively training for overseas service.

Responsibility on Those Who Remain.

“The sacrifice of our young manhood places a grave responsibility on all of us who remain in this Dominion, and, as true Britishers, we recognize that the very least that we can do is to emulate, as far as possible, the glori. ous example of self-sacrifice our men in the King’s uniform are making; they are willingly sacrificing everything—even, if necessary, their own life —in our defence. Having this in mind, it is with absolute confidence that the National Patriotic Board appeal to you Io give tangible expression to your natural appreciation. “I would ask you to ponder for a moment on the magnitude of the obligations placed upon us by the service of our armed forces. In the comparative tranquillity and peace of New Zealand we are fortunate in being far from the dreaded privations of „war. We do not scan the skies looking for raiders. No sirens disturb our peace. The nearest we get to war conditions is to see our soldiers in uniform; to listen to the broadcasts from Daventry;'to read our newspapers; to look with sympathy and horror on the photographs that are published from the theatre of war.

"The National Patriotic Fund Board has three jobs. Two are protective in nature: it is charged with a duty of protecting your generosity, and it is entrusted with tlie task of protecting your gifts. The third duty is that. of sending those gifts which, are essential and helpful to the men now serving iu the various camps in New Zealand. The Individual’s Part. “ ‘For King and Empire’ is not a hackneyed phrase; it is a vital dynamic challenge. You believe in this cause. We know that our appeal to you for help will not be in vain, and that you are anxious to do your part. Let me explain how you can do your part. In the course of the next day or so you will receive a letter from his Excellency the Governor-General, Viscount Galway, as chairman of the National Fund Board. To all householders the letter will contain 30 seals valued at 2/6. To business houses the letter will contain 120 seals portraying the units of our armed forces. The request is made t by his Excellency that you purchase these seals, and should you desire a further silppl.v use the order form which is attached to the letter. It is a simple way of coordinating your desire to play your part. We ask for a generous and ready response. “In both instances the amount may he increased according to your desire and your ability to give. The main thing is that you do give, ami give quickly. Post your donations as directed in the letter by December 22. al the very latest.

“This national patriotic seal appeal has been made possible by the cooperative effort of business people who have given freely to make the letter and. seals available.' Voluntary helpers have given splendid service in folding the letters, preparing the seal appeal for mailing. In addition to this the broadcasting service and the newspaper services are giving gratuitous time and space to assist us. in every sense of the word it is a community effort, and under the leadership of His .Majesty’s representative, Viscount Galway, we feel that your whole-hearted response will ensure the success of this great effort on the part of the National Patriotic Board, and will express the gratitude of the peoples of this Dominion to their armed forces.

“Any person who voices the opinion that the national patriotic fund is under the control of the Government is not stating the position correctly, and is thereby rendering a grave disservice, not only to the large body of public-spirited citizens working ami sponsoring this cause, but. also to our men, who so urgently are in need of amenities and comforts. Moreover, it is a very unjust reflection on the Government itself, which took such pains in devising the scheme and drafting the regulations to set up-the national fund board and the provincial patriotic councils as completely autonomous bodies vested witli. the sole control over the collection and expenditure of their respective funds. It is not only a privilege but our clear duty to provide these freely without delay. Therefore, let your response lie generous. Give to the utmost of your ability. Finally, I thank you for the help you will render to those who are doing so much for New Zealand and for the British Empire.”