DELAY ALLEGED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 108, 2 November 1940, Page 11

DELAY ALLEGED

UNLOADING OF SHIP

VISITOR'S CRITICISM

(Special to the "Evening Post.")

AUCKLAND, November 1

More prompt unloading of overseas ships arriving at New Zealand ports would assist the war effort, suggested the Rev. Lionel B. Fletcher in a luncheon address to the Auckland Creditmen's Club.

Mr. Fletcher detailed the ordeal passengers of the ship which brought him to New Zealand underwent on the voyage. He said they all looked forward to New Zealand being a haven of righteousness, full of warmth in its welcome. The reception they got !was "a douche of cold water," he said. The ship arrived before 5 p.m., but no one unloaded the luggage til] the next day, with the result that passengers were compelled to stay overnight in Wellington,, though many had hoped to travel that night.

"I have great sympathy for men who work hard for their living, but the spirit shown in such cases as this is not that which will win the war." Mr. Fletcher continued. "If it is brought to their attention I feel "sure there is every likelihood of the position being rectified." •

Mr. Fletcher appealed to New Zealanders generally to realise there was a war on. He said he had heard people say things would be just as good under German rule, but that sentiment was stupid and not at all the belief of the British people, who were suffering without complaint under terrible conditions, realising that slavery would be the reward of defeat.

"A great proportion of the nation are on their knees in prayer," said Mr. Fletcher. "Their cry is not that .of a coward, but of people who have done their utmost first and then been faced with mighty tyranny. And as sure as there is a God in the heavens these enemies of right and good will be ground to powder At the same time every part of the Empire must do its utmost, without shirking, putting every ounce of weight into its effort.