THE TASK AHEAD

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 157, 31 December 1940, Page 5

THE TASK AHEAD

EVERY EFFORT NEEDED

PATH TO VICTORY

MR. FRASER'S CALL

A call to the people of New Zealand to' make a still greater effort, to work harder and with more efficiency, is made by the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in his New Year j message. While much had been done, he saXS, formidable tasks were -ahead and the people of New Zealand must make a tremendous national effort in 1941. Shipping losses presented one of the Dominion's greatest difficulties, and it was only by the united efforts of all sections of the community that such difficulties could be offset. "There is little I need say to remind the people of New Zealand of the series of events which have «marked 1940," said Mr. Fraser. "The grim progress of the war and its effects throughout the world are familiar to all. Great perils have been surmounted by the British people. At no time have they been disheartened or dismayed. At no time have they faltered in their determination to stand by their ideals. The j peoples of the British Commonwealth \ are not prepared to accept the so-called ) new order of tyrannical dictatorship j which the aggressor nations are at- j tempting to impose upon the world. , "In the desperate and powerful attack that has been launched upon democratic civilisation, some countries have fallen. For the time being their people are down, but they are not out so long as they can hope for deliverance. Their whole future is dependent on our victory. } "The British Commonwealth is now (he only world Power actively defending those hard-won liberties and institutions built up over a thousand years and upon which modern civilisation is based, though our courageous1 and determined ally, Greece, is waging a victorious campaign crowned by outstanding successes against the Italian aggressor, while- the United States of America is rendering magnificent assistance by placing her vast material resources with unprecedented generosity at our service. DEFENCES INCREASING. "The people of Britain are carrying oh calmly and confidently building up their defences, increasing their army, and striking back at the enemy in ever-increasing force on land, sea, and air. In the past few weeks our forces irt Egypt have shown their mettle and their victory is a splendid tribute to the skilful planning, dash, and courage which characterises the British Army 6t 1941. "Throughout the year the men and women of the United Kingdom have covered themselves with honour; in the factory, in the field, in the mines, in shipbuilding yards, and at the docks, they have doggedly stuck to their jobs in the face of danger and death.. In towns and cities scarred by constant raids they are carrying on. Their courageous example is beyond praise, and is an inspiration to the people of %c whole world. '?' Here in New Zealand we can best show our heartfelt admiration and j gratitude in deeds rather than words, j By organising our own war service j as we are doing in accordance with j our full strength and our total re- j . sources, we are. assisting the whole commonwealth effort, and it is important to remember always that it is not Britain that Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy are fighting, but the British Commonwealth of Nations and its peoples, including ourselves, every one of us, in New Zealand. "During the year much has been done in New Zealand—men have been trained, and sent overseas to the theatres of war. Our soldders, sailors, , and airmen have worthily upheld the best traditions of our armed services. At home we have organised our dex'ence forces on a firmer basis than ever before —Territorials, National Military Reserve, Home Guard, Emergency Precautions Scheme, Women's War Service Auxiliary, all these have received active support an*d are performing excellent work. The national, provincial, and local patriotic fund organisations have been most creditably active and successful in receiving the full confidence and support of the public. As a result the lives of our men overseas have been brightened. WORK ON CIVIL SIDE. "On the civil side, farmers, and workers, manufacturers, indeed those engaged generally in production and distribution of our commodities, have met the extraordinary needs of war conditions in a most satisfactory manner. More goods are being produced and more food and raw materials are being made available to Britain. "I am proud to say that no request which Britain has made to us has failed to meet with an immediate and favourable response. We would gladly do more if we could. "Above all, there is the need for unity. I would like to appeal once again to every man and woman to cooperate in the fullest possible way with the Government in the prosecution of the war. To waste time and energy in petty quarrels while the nation is involved in a life-and-death struggle is shameful and unworthy of a democratic people. This is no time for emphasising political differences. All our combined energies must be concentrated on one object alone—the attainment of victory. "The burdens of war are already immense —the estimated cost in money this financial year is £37,500,00(3. Next year this sum will be increased. We can only meet this huge expenditure now and ultimately by our own efforts from our own sources of real wealth. We have the resources. Let us develop them to the full, even, at the same time, at the cost of consuming less ourselves. "Fortunately our standards of living are among the highest in the world and there are great numbers of our people who can afford temporarily to make the individual sacrifices which are and will be inevitably required. "This does not mean that the social advance made in recent years will be lost. On the contrary, we are fighting for the maintenance of our high social and economic standards as well as for political freedom and the right as a nation to order our own lives as we ourselves think fit, which is the very essence of liberty. PRINCIPLES WORTH DEFENDING. "These are principles worth defending and their full restoration when the war is over is the highest duty devolving upon Government and people alike. Those of us who remain at home must see to it that full preparation is made to look after all the men who return from overseas and to make certain that the provision made is full and generous.

"As Prime Minister, I would like to take this opportunity o£ awurlajf the

soldiers, sailors, and airmen of the Government's determination to do everything possible to secure their successful return to civil life and in addition to assist and support all those who, because of the effects of war, may be unable to take their places again in civilian ranks.

"The future of New Zealand depends upon their efforts and those of all the armed forces in securing a British victory. Without that victory there could be no return to the ways of social progress and the high level of prosperity which we have enjoyed. We realise our debt and we will honour i\ to the utmost of our capacity.

"To our men overseas, in the Navy, the Army, the Air Force, the Mercantile Marine, the nurses, and all other war workers, and to all of you in New Zealand, I extend cordial greetings and every wish for happiness and good fortune in the New Year."