CLOSE UP THE RANKS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 143, 19 June 1941, Page 6

CLOSE UP THE RANKS

(To the Editor.)

Sir,—Your editorial "To Close Up the Ranks," in Friday's "Post," is a timely appeal for unity and a fuller democracy on the home front. Party politics in normal times are more or less inevitable, but in a time of national danger we New Zealanders should be more concerned with the welfare of the Empire regardless of party or sectional gain. We on the home front have one work, one duty, namely, an all-in war effort for deliverance from serfdom. Only as a united people can we play our full part.

We-are faced with an enemy from whose mind has been torn Christianity and all its teachings concerning justice, charity, mercy, honour, and integrity. Notwithstanding this we still refuse "to close up the ranks" and continue to play at party politics. Those who look on, whether they be cynics, or bewildered non-partisans, must wonder how many in this Dominion possess any real knowledge of the foul and brutal creed of the Nazis that is founded on murder, cruelty, sadism, and savage regimentation.

Our heroic forces overseas, the Navy, the Merchant Marine, the men and women in the factories, munition works, shipyards, and the politicians of our proud and stricken Mother Country are today one, and indivisible, in the face of appalling danger.

As never before so united under a National Government they have displayed a heroism, a spirit of endurance, a common service and sacrifice, that has awakened the admiration and wonder of the world. This is proof of what an enlightened democracy can rise to in a time of national danger. We in New Zealand are supposed to live in an age of. enlightenment. As to the amount of enlightenment there may be some doubt, but all will admit we live in an age of too much talk in which party politics are being perpetually indulged in. What real obstacles, if any, are there blocking the way to following the inspiring example of Great Britain? —I am, etc.,

T.A.F,