Facing Realities

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 109, 1 February 1940, Page 11

Facing Realities

Sir,—The letter of "T.A.F.” in your journal of January 27 entitled “Time to Face Realities” was apropos and your correspondent deserves the thanks of the community for emphasizing the duty, of New Zealanders today. The enthusiasm of the “powers-that-be” for the success of the Centennial Exhibition and for the continuation of our sport is all very well, but surely these things are secondary to the success of democracy over Nazism and Communism. Everyone knows that the physical wellbeing of our people is an important factor at all times and particularly when the success of our fighting forces on sea. land and in the air is dependent upon the health, fitness, courage and mental attitude of the individual.

AVhile it. was gratifying to read the appeal of the Hon. the Prime Minister this morning for volunteers, it must be remembered that sacrifices must be made not only by our young men but by every man and woman no matter what, their age or occupation. Great Britain lias recognized this by bringing in conscription and the Dominions will be failing in their duty unless they follow the example of the Mother Count try when the very existence of the British Empire is at stake.. All our resources must be marshalled without delay. It is only by this means that our responsibility can be brought home to everyone. The latest utterances of Neville Chamberlain, Winston Churchill and Lord Halifax make the position crystal clear. What could be a more fitting gesture in this centennial year than to let the world know of the readiness of New Zealand and the other Dominions to make the supreme sacrifice for the freedom, liberty and moral rearmament of the world! —1 am. etc.. H. AMOS. Wellington. January ‘2O.