Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1940. SHIPPING LOSSES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 29 November 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1940. SHIPPING LOSSES.

T HE Joss of another ship not far from New Zealand, and of two others off the Australian coast, through enemy action, should impress upon all Dominion dwellers the fact that the war is not so very far away,—and may become nearer. Whereas the Australian Minister (Mr. Hughes) had no misgivings about revealing the names of the Port Brisbane and the Maimoa, Mr. Fraser was less communicative, and did not reveal which ship was involved. He may have good reason for this secrecy, but it is not very obvious, and the uncertainty among the general public may add to anxiety of those interested in any particular ship trading to these waters. The activities of enemy raiders in the Pacific are increasing,, and this form of sea warfare is difficult to bring to a conclusion. The Empire’s navy has a much sterner task to-day than it had in 191418, and has to work single-handed, some of those assisting it in the earlier war, now being open en-

emies. There is, of course, no cause for panic, but the gravity of the situation should.not be minimised. The authorities are doing their best to catch the raiders, but this is no easy task on the wide ocean expanse., , '

Britain is becoming increasingly perturbed about the.regular heavy sinkings, and eVen Ministers are less optimistic in their speeches, if not always agreeing as to' the extent of the menace. It is now admitted that the losses in ships are beyond Britain’s new construction, and previous exultation about the results of acquiring Butch, Norwegian, and other Allied tonnage, does not appear to

have been justified. Ships, sunk, of course, mean that their cargoes, too, are lost, yet in his speech in the Commons, this week, Mr. Greenwood macle the point, that, despite the sinking of valuable cargoes and ships, the loss of war material in transit to Britain was quite unsubstantial: This estimate is difficult to accept. There were other inconsistencies in Mr. Greenwood’s review, which was modelled on the lines of many previous Ministerial claims since found to be unduly complacent. Happily, the position is being realised in Britain, both Parliament and Press urging more vigorous action. Difficult as the problems are, a solution will be found, but, meanwhile, there must be occasional regrettable incidents. Those Overseas who may be demanding the authorities “to do something,” should first ask if they, themselves, are doing all they should to help to win. the war. The apathy in Greymouth towards the Home Guard is not peculiar to the Coast district. It seems that the majority of New Zealanders do not believe there is any possibility of direct attack on this country. It is to be hoped that this estimate is correct. It is well to be prepared, however, even against the unexpected. The situation in the Far East does not improve, and raiders may seek objects of attack other than ships. More precaution does not imply less confidence in ultimate victory, but makes triumph more certain. Sir C. Newall “is absolutely confident that we have turned a very ugly corner.” This is reassuring, but there may be other corners to turn during the long road that Mr. Churchill lias always insisted must be travelled.