Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1939. BUY AND BUY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1939. BUY AND BUY.

C|OME declare that New Zealand’s contribution to the Empire’s war effort is as small potatoes. Be this as it may, Britain is grateful for even small murphies. Team work is essential if victory is to be obtained early, and so long as the Dominion is doing her best, comparative statistics are unnecessary. New Zealand’s loyal attitude, from the very outset of the struggle, is greatly appreciated in the Homeland, and it is to be hoped that the Dominion’s interest in the conduct of the war will not flag, however bored it may become with the war “news.” Whatever differences there may be in the 1914-18 struggle and the present conflict, the “news” received is on similar unattractive lines. New Zealanders have cause for pride concerning their contribution to the Empire’s cause, and without “saying with flowers,” everything that the Dominion does, it is well that realisation of this should be maintained. In this way. the encouragement, which is the food of effort, will be developed. and there will be no need for the country’s leaders to appeal for the greatest war-efforts. Mr. Savage, in his broadcast, last evening, once again emphasised the need for greater production of foodstuffs, the market for which will be unlimited during the duration of the conflict. There is no reason to doubt that Dominion farmers will do their best, patriotism and self-interest combining to stimulate their special industry. The Government, for its own part, must be wary of regulations

and restrictions which will unduly hinder the primary industries. The October export trade returns give evidence of the farmers ’ response to the appeals to produce, and there is no reason to fear that later months’ figures will be less encouraging. Equally necessary is it for town industries to be kept flourishing. In New Zealand, as in Britain, the war will be partly won on the “home front,” which means that all must endeavour to keep normal trade channels active. There must be no lack of confidence in the future, nor hoarding of resources against future evil days. It is a real public duty to continue normal expenditure and to increase this, if possible. At this season of the year, the channels of retail trade must be kept vigorously flowing. The war will bring its heavy special costs, but the country generally, is now in a position to afford to spend, and it would be foolish policy to indulge in untimely “thrift.” The shortage of material in some directions must adversely affect trade, but to buy as much as possible is just as clear a national public duty as it is to produce to the full.