NEW ZEALAND DIVISION

Evening Star, Issue 25495, 28 May 1945, Page 2

NEW ZEALAND DIVISION

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —In common with all who have elose relatives overseas with the New Zealand Division, J am deeply interested to know the plans our politicians have in view regarding the future of the division. Published to-day in the 'Star' is an address given at Hamilton by the Hon. Walter Nash, from ■which* I cull one illuminating statement. " What influence would New Zealand have in determining the peace settlement for the Pacific if it did not Bhare in the fighting in this theatre? " So the division is to be used by our politicians, and splendid young . lives are to be sacrificed, as an' article of barter! New Zealand has been carried, and her prestige enhanced solely by her splendid fighting men. and the deference which our travelling Ministers have been accorded whilst overseas is solely due to this—certainly not to any other contribution made to • the war effort by politicians. When the United States made that supreme gesture -of lend-lease she made it to all members of the Allied Nations, but when the New Zealand Government, at the heginning of the war, was pressing for enhanced prices for all primary products", England was compelled tip (purchase, by our very patriotic politicians, on a cash and carry basis, pay cash prior to shipment, provide her own shipping to carry, also pay storage on goods held on her behalf awaiting shipment. So much for the patriotism of our Government. When the Hofl. SValter Nash made his broadcast early in the war,. concerning the prices to be paid by England for New Zealand pro r duce. does he remember making this statement: "We will press for the utmost" ?:.~\& one.,who served'through the last war. from 1914 to the end of 1919. and who .volunteered at the beginning of this war, and whose only son has been serving since he was 18, ] write with intense feeling concerning the acknowledged fact that the future role of the 2nd N.Z.E.F. is to be used as an article of barter by politicians who did not, and would not, serve when, they had the opportunity.—l am, etc., Khamseen. May 26.