FOR THE MEN IN ACTION

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 87, 14 April 1942, Page 4

FOR THE MEN IN ACTION

Losses of Patriotic Fund equipment and material in the second Libyan campaign appear to have been heavy, according to a report received from Lieutenant-Colonel Waite, the Patriotic Fund Board's Commissioner. But the public will much prefer that these losses should be risked rather than that service to the men should be diminished when they need it most. Those who work to serve the troops, medical officers, chaplains, . and welfare workers, risked their lives and liberty to give, that service, with complete disregard of personal danger. In consequence heavy losses were suffered, through many of these men being captured— losses compared with which the destruction of equipment and material was trifling. While such personal risks are being taken it is wholly right and necessary that the Patriotic Fund Board should supply whatever equipment and material are needed to make the service fully effective. New Zealand people will be glad and eager to supply funds and goods, so that the distribution of comforts shall not be hampered or halted. The need of the men in the front line is the greatest, and for them the service must be unstinting. We believe that this is the mood of the great majority of the general public. If asked to give a general instruction to the Patriotic Fund Board, they would say: "You see that the comforts and services reach the men who are in the theatre of action, and we will see that the cost is met." No parent, wife, sister, or daughter of a soldier on active service would grudge this provision in the most ample measure that can be arranged. Personally the relatives at home would willingly go without comforts and even so-called necessaries to alleviate the lot of the men who, however much their hardships may be lightened, must still make the greatest sacrifice. That is why the public would welcome a relaxation of the present restriction placed upon the transmission of sterling to men on service overseas. The limit now fixed, £30 in New Zealand currency in a year, is very small when it is converted into sterling (£24) and made to supplement the pay that may be drawn .in the field to cover day-to-day needs, money for short leave periods, and provision for the holiday that a soldier is ready for when he is fortunate enough to get longer leave. -Though much in comforts and services may be supplied, the soldier on leave should be able to enjoy .what the civilian expects as a right, and troops of other Dominions have—money in his pocket to spend as he wills. Though our sterling fund position has still to be watched, it is strong enough to permit this. If strict control is yet necessary - it should be at the expense first of the civilian at home.