YEAR REVIEWED

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 156, 30 December 1940, Page 5

YEAR REVIEWED

WORK FOR VICTORY

AT HOME AND ABROAD'

PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS

Satisfaction with the work done for, victory, both in New Zealand and b,y New Zealanders serving overseas, was expressed by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in a New Year address last night. Mr. Fraser reviewed Dominion activities during the past year and paid a tribute to all who had helped. He referred briefly to the expansion of industry for the production of war materials. Mr. Fraser dealt with the activities of raiders off the New Zealand coast and struck a hopeful note regarding those who were aboard the ships sunk.

"We have men fighting in the. Middle East and others waiting at any moment to take their part in whatever theatre of war they are required," Mr. Fraser said. "Some of our soldiers arrived in the United Kingdom at a time when invasion had become a real threat.

We know that their appearance, along with their Australian and j Canadian comrades at that particu-' lar moment, thrilled and still further encouraged the brave people| of Britain and warmed their hearts with living testimony to the unity and solidarity of the peoples of the far-flung Dominions with the Motherland. We have been proud that our men should have the privilege of occupying a post of honour and danger in the defence of the United Kingdom. VALOUR AND SKILL OF AIRMEN. "Our airmen have been conspicuous for their magnificent valour and skill, and they continue to bring great honour to themselves and to their country, as do our sailors also —th& men of the Achilles and the Leander —and the other units of the Navy.

"The war has become a tragic reality to those homes in New Zealand which today mourn a son, who has given his life that freedom may live, who has laid down his life for his and our cause. "To all bereaved parents and families I extend the sincere sympathy of the Government and of the people of the Dominion. We share, as far as we can share, the grief of the stricken mothers and fathers and pray that ithey may be comforted with the knowledge that the heroism of their brave sons has helped to save the j human race from unspeakable degradation. "The tide of war has rolled up to our shores, some of our New Zealand ships have been destroyed by raiders, some of them comparatively close to New Zealand. Those in deep anxiety and uncertainty as to the fate of their loved ones who were aboard those ships are entitled to our sympathy in th^^^^inie3r<3f^di?tressr '?-'*C":.; ■ "It is hoped that those aboard the Various ships attacked were taken aboard the raider and that before long news of them will be available. That is my sincere hope. REASON FOB POLICY CHANGE. "During the year the Government * found it necessary to replace the voluntary system of recruiting with an all-embracing scheme of compulsory military service. This course was ■rendered essential by the rapid deterioration of the situation overseas, which brought the clouds of War much nearer to our own shores. It was unavoidable if the nation's unity was to be maintained. Though the response under the volunta.y system had been splendid, and some 80,000 men had answered the call for the three services, nevertheless our nation's war effort demanded still greater endeavours and greater equality of ser- j vice, and, as far as possible, greater ;equality of sacrifice. The principle of compulsion for both military and civil service, for property as well as for persons, was established.

"The first ballot for Territorial service was held in September, and the Territorial system has been expanded to provide a force adequate in numbers and equipment for home defence. Today for every man and woman an avenue of service has been provided, ,not only in the regular armed services, but in the Home Guard, the Emergency Precautions Scheme, the Auxiliary Fire Fighting Service, the Women's War Service Auxiliary organisation, the Order of St. John, the Red Gross, and the various national, provincial, and local patriotic organisations. MAKING WAR MATERIALS. "We have begun in this country also to produce war materials and ammunition. In numerous ways the manufacturing interests have met new demands created by the scarcity of war conditions.

"There has been a notable increase in the value of factory production, and a similar increase in production as a whole. The momentum is growing despite the fact that 50,000 men have already been taken from industry for the armed forces.

"Primary producers for their part have continued their efforts with remarkable results. Food and raw materials have been sent to Britain in increased quantities. In response to Britain's call for more production in certain fields, the New Zealand farmer has set a splendid example to the whole community. The change-over from butter to cheese has resulted in an increase in the export figure from 80,000 tons to 92,000 tons. Butter exports have also increased by 12,000 tons. This season, aided by most favourable conditions, further increases are expected, specially in dairy and meat production."