IN FULL SUPPORT

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 71, 21 September 1939, Page 5

IN FULL SUPPORT

THE WAR EFFORT

HARBOUR FACILITIES

PLEDGE TO GOVERNMENT

The Wellington Harbour Board last night pledged its full support of all actions taken by the Government in j the prosecution of war upon the Nazi Government of Germany. "The Governments and free peoples \ lof the British Dominions, are unre- j jservedly and solidly behind the Home '■■ Government in the action they have i taken in declaring war on the Nazi Government," said the chairman. Mr. IM. A. Eliott. "Our first concern and [duty will, of course, oe to support the j New Zealand Government in any 'action it may consider necessary for thej ; security and safety of the country, and, ' therefore, through its .organisation the i board is prepared to assist the Gov- , crnment in every way possible: j "The next step, and this is of great importance, is to recognise that trade and industry should go on even under war conditions, said Mr. Eliott. "I think it will be acknowledged that the work of the port must be carried on. and to this end it is essential that | the various operations of the board be ! maintained to full efficiency, so that the dispatch of produce and shipping will not suffer. It is necessary, therefore, j that this aspect should be given full j consideration in the recruiting that is I. taking place, both for home defence and the special force that has been called up. I "A number of the board's staff have I been already doing duty in the home ! defence service and have been given favourable consideration in regard to both leave and pay conditions. The conditions that will apply to those who '• may be accepted in the special force and go abroad are now under consideration by the board." Mr. C. H. Chapman said that he did not for a moment wish to suggest that the board should curb the enthusiasm and readiness of its employees to offer their services, but he did think that it would be in the best interests of the men themselves, of the board, and of the country if they notified the board of their intention to enlist, for certain men were in key positions and as such could best serve by carrying on in their civil work. The chairman said that that position had already arisen, for of the men who had offered their services a number were in such positions with the board that they could give greatest service in their present work, and representations had accordingly been made to the military authorities for their retention by the board. The- following resolution was passed unanimously:— "That at its first meeting held sinca the declaration of war against Germany, the Wellington Harbour Board offers its whole-hearted support and co-operation to the Government )f New Zealand in upholding the Mother Country against armed aggression and dictatorship."