NEED FOR GREATER SACRIFICE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 120, 14 February 1941, Page 6

NEED FOR GREATER SACRIFICE

Warning By Mr. Fraser

INTENSIFIED DANGER PERIOD

Possible Consequences

A warniiic that greater sacrifices on the part of all were inevitable was given by ll’<’ I’riine Minister, Mr. Fraser, when referring in an interview last night to some remarks he had made at the opening of a new school in Halcombc the previous day. Mr. braser said lie had pointed out in his speech in Halcombc the imminent dangers apparent to all. His remarks were an indication as to the elements of the situation to be faced, perhaps in the near future, if the war storm grew in intensity.

"The scuse of some of my remarks at Halcombc, abbreviated as they were in the report I have seen, has not been adequately conveyed to the public, said Mr. Fraser. "1 pointed out the imminent dangers apparent to all. I pointed out that greater sacrifices to be shared by all were inevitable. I indicated that, because of further possible extension of hostilities supplies of commodities such as wearing apparel, might be scarcer and that economies in this respect not previously observed might have to be practised. "I said that because of the possible increase in the cost of certain commodities a reduction in real wages, and incomes generally of all sections of the people, might have to be faced, and extended hours of labour might be required in essential industries in an endeavour, first, to achieve our maximum war effort, and, secondly, to maintain as far as possible that stan dard of living and social conditions to which we have attained. “I further indicated the fact that it appeared that all-round sacrifices in many directions from everybody were inevitable in the intensified danger period which appeared to be approaching, and that the faith in the triumph of righteousness over evil instilled in the family circle, in the school, in the Sunday school, and in the churches, would enable the people of New Zealand to face up to the situation and its possibilities like true men and women. “My remarks were tin indication as to tlie (‘loments of the situation to bo faced, perhaps in the near future, if the war storm grows in intensity. I repeat now that it is essential that alt should help to the utmost in our war effort, and that all sections and all individuals must be prepared to join in a common sacrifice according to their capacities if 'New Zealand is to survive as an integral self-governing unit of the British Commonwealth. "My remarks must not be misrepresented as indicating any desire or intention to lower deliberately the standard of living or the general conditions of our people,” said the Prime Minister. “On the contrary, New Zealand is lighting for the democratic system which made our high standards possible, and any inevitable temporary war-time sacrifices wil| be for the purpose of defending our standard of life and our democratic system, so that what has been achieved can be retained and still further progress made when, with New Zealand’s help, the terrors and menace of Nazism, Fascism and their allies are hurled back and finally overthrown."

The report referred to by Mr. Fraser read as follows:—

According to the Primo Minister, Mr. Fraser, when opening a new school at Halcombc, tlie absence of reference by Mr. Winston Chureliill in liis recent broadcast, to the Far East, was more ominous than any words be might have used. The position ahead of New Zealand and the part, she xvao to play ip this war, would require all the solidarity of the people and all their sacrifices, Mr. Fraser said. It might, be that to come through we would have to make our clothes wear a little longer, and take a little less in wages because of the shortage of commodities, but it we held our faith in the country, in our people, and laid the faitli of the Sunday schools and tlie churches*, then xve would come through. We had to face up to our problems now like true men and women.