IN DANGER ZONE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 142, 12 March 1941, Page 9

IN DANGER ZONE

Position Of Dominion In World Affairs

WARNING BY MR. SEMPLE

“Though we are far away from the nerve centres of the world, and though we are just little islands in the Pacific, we are not outside the danger zone; we may be challenged any time, and it is just as well that our people should realize that,” said the Minister of National Service, Mr. Semple, speaking at the opening of an exhibition of E.P.S. equipment in Wellington yesterday. The international scene was changing, not weekly, but hourly, he added, and those who were at the head of affairs knew many things that the average man and woman did not know. The danger was real for New Zealand. Mr. Semple said that he regretted that in a civilized age it was necessary to demonstrate to people the real horrors of modern warfare. The equipment on exhibition made one realize the frightful ordeal through which the British people were passing. The world was a smaller place than it was 25 years ago, for new methods of transport and communication had reduced distance. Hence the Dominion could not be considered outside the danger zone.

One of his great difficulties, in his recent efforts to encourage enlistment in the Home Guard and E.P.S., had been the indifferent attitude of a number of people, said Mr. Semple, but it was easy to understand why people were so indifferent. For the last 100 years the people of New Zealand had lived in an atmosphere of peace. Some people felt that that state of affairs still existed, but it was not for them to say that it would continue to exist. It was for the other fellow, the enemy. “The enemy might deem it necessary, at any time, to cause trouble in New Zealand,” he added. “With that possibility in view, it is necessary to organize our production and mobilize our manpower and woman-power so that we will be ready for any emergency that may come.” The exhibits on view, said Mr. Semple, provided a kind of education that was necessary in these days. When one looked at the frightful things one wondered if the world had gone mad. One certainly realized that the world had gone a long way away from the teachings of Christ. They did bring home to us, however, what the men, women and children of Britain were facing with a courage which had won the admiration of the world. The exhibition is to remain open for a fortnight, and the proceeds from the small charge for admission will be devoted to the Commerce Queen’s campaign in aid of patriotic funds.