A WIDE PATRIOTISM

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 136, 6 December 1939, Page 10

A WIDE PATRIOTISM

A wide view of patriotic work was strongly urged by the GovernorGeneral in an address in Hawke's Bay yesterday. "All our resources must be aimed at defeating Germany," said his Excellency, "and if we are narrow-minded in our efforts we may fail, as we very nearly did in the last war." The wellbeing of the men in all the Allied armies, not only in the New Zealand forces, was the direct concern of the people of New Zealand. In this connection attention may /well be drawn to the voluntary assistance given by other Dominions, particularly South Africa. His Excellency said that though New Zealand was not at the moment in a position to make a monetary payment, as some of the other Dominions Had done, it was hoped that her contribution would be made in the near future with supplies of clothing and other necessaries. For this purpose funds are needed, and the National Patriotic Fund, which will undertake work that can best be managed through a central organisation, is making an appeal. : At the same time there is urgent need for local work, particularly in providing comforts and recreational facilities for the men in camp. The Hon. W. Perry's appeal last night will be heartily endorsed and, we hope, supported by all who realise what the country owes to the men who have volunteered to bear the^heat and burden of the nation's fight Here, again, his Excellency's admonition to take a wide view may be stressed. The true patriot cannot meet his obligations by saying that the Government should do this or that—even though he feels it. His gratitude to the soldier will prompt him to make , a personal and free contribution—to give and to work. He may do this by supporting the appeal for funds and supporting also the Wellington Metropolitan Patriotic Committee at the meeting summoned by the Mayor for tomorrow afternoon. /