MINERS’ WAR EFFORT

Evening Star, Issue 23724, 4 November 1940, Page 10

MINERS’ WAR EFFORT

EULOGY BY MINISTER [l’eu United Press Association.] CHRISTCHURCH, November (J. Any suggestion that tilts miners are not pulling their weight in the war eliort is a iihel of the lirst magnitude, the Minister of Mines, Mr P. C. Webb, said in an interview on his return to Christchurch, from a tour of the miniim districts of the West Coast. “ While they arc prepared to give of their best in an all-in war effort, they expect other members of the community to do likewise. Almost to a man the West Const is behind Britain in the great struggle.” The Minister said the workers had been working harder, and were prepared to work still harder, in the war effort. They felt, however, that the same, principle should apply to all others as well. Any suggestion of war profiteering while the nation was engaged in this titanic struggle for the freedom of the world was anathema to the miners. To them it was a question of an all-in policy, AH that New Zealand had in both manpower and wealth was at the disposal of Britain in the present great crisis, and any quibbling over political philosophies was out of tho question. “ The people of the West Coast are convinced,” Mr Webb said, “ that '

when the forces of democracy triumph democracy will bo more enlightened as a result of its war experiences and conditions, and bettor equipped in the interest of democracy, which brought victory to deal with the problems arising. “ All this sentimental political animosity as expressed in many parts of New Zealand can only hinder, and not help, this country in its war effort. Surely it should be evident to all that the greatest contribution the people of this country can make must come from the land and the workshops, where every ounce of energy has to be economically placed in order to produce the maximum results. Any influence calculated to hinder that production would have a disastrous economic effect.” Despite much unfair criticism levelled against the miners, their production of coal last month was 38,000 tons greater than for September of last year, Mr Webb said. He was deeply impressed with the spirit the miners were showing in connection with their effort to increase production. Many of the miners, especially at Stockton, had been knocking off at midnight on Friday, reaching their homes at_ 2 a.m. after bathing, and travelling in a bus, and leaving home again at 6 a.m. to begin work at 8 a.m. As a result of this spirit this country was saved from coal rationing this winter, the Minister said. It was also responsible for saving many thousands of pounds in sterling funds which would have been required to purchase coal from overseas. ' ■

“1 am confident that, should a great call be made on their services for the war effort, it will be answered in the same spirit,” tho Minister con-, tinned. “ Every speech I delivered on the West Coast was aimed at inspiring the people to give of their best in the war effort, and I think it is generally conceded that a far greater united spirit prevails.” Mr Webb said he was also delighted with the response the West Coast was making to the movement for the Home Guard. A much better understanding of the purpose of the Home Guard now existed. In some places the miners were already drilling and organising Red Cross services. The Buller Trades and Labour Council was well represented on the Home Guard Committee.