Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 1940. BRITAIN HARD-PRESSED.

Greymouth Evening Star, 4 December 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4. 1940. BRITAIN HARD-PRESSED.

’■pilE first ballot for conscripted

service Overseas will concentrate public attention on -the war situation, —for at least a few hours. During this time, consideration should be given as to the real estimate of the Dominion. Is the war regarded as Britain’s affair, in which New Zealand is giving some assistance? If so, the Dominion is to be commended for doing so much. If, however, .the result of the war is recognised to be as vital to the Overseas as to the Homeland, and a matter in which each partner of the Commonwealth must, in its own interests, pull its full weight, then New Zealand’s contribution, so far, is inadequate, no matter how often patriotic sentiments are expressed. If exemptions are granted from Overseas service, with the same ease as appeals were granted where Territorial service was com I '

cerned, the position will become farcical.

■Sir H. Batterbee, in his address at Greymouth last evening, reviewed the war situation. Even when taking an optimistic view, he emphasised the imperative necessity for all the Empire doing its utmost, if victory were to be achieved. New Zealand cannot claim to be doing its utmost, partly because no really vigorous lead comes from higli places. Occasional warnings of approaching danger come from some Ministers, and all are urged to join the National Reserve, or Home Guard, or to lend as much as possible for war purposes. Mostly, it stops at that. Importance of more production is repeatedly proclaimed, but few take any notice, unless subsidies are forthcoming, and peace-time industrial conditions remain undisturbed.

Meanwhile, the heavy bombings of British towns continue, British ships are increasingly sunk, and the lot of the people in Britain is becoming more onerous. No effective weapon has apparently been yet found to overcome the night bomber, destruction and casualties increase, and industrial output is unavoidably lessened. The U-boats and enemy aircraft take heavy toll, and the seriousness of this development is officially admitted. Presumably, some of these enemy submarines and planes are destroyed, but about that the Admiralty keeps silent. By this time, most of the 50 destroyers obtained from U.S.A, should be in commission, but the Navy needs large additions to cope ■with the numerous world-wide demands. Conflicting reports come about the actual delivery of U.S.A, aircraft to Britain, but it -would appear that the number so far is below prediction. To the great burden Britain was already carrying, must now be added the task of assisting Greece with armaments and supplies. Mr. Mackenzie King warned the Canadian Commons that Germany, with forces, machines and materials largely intact, presented an “appalling menace. It is going to take all we can do and give to beat them.” It is true that British Ministers publicly declare that Germany is now hard pressed for oil and other supplies, but . all agree that the Empire must go all out to -win. There is no reason to doubt that eventually the Empire will be victorious, but the triumph would be hastened and made more complete if all the Overseas would do as much, relatively, as Britain. Can New Zealand honestly claim to be doing that?