Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1941 SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL.

Greymouth Evening Star, 17 February 1941, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE MONDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1941 SHOULDERS TO THE WHEEL.

J7VIDENCE is not lacking, although so far of an indirect nature, to support the contention frequently stressed recently by various members of the New Zealand Government, that the war is

coming nearer to the Dominion. All eyes are at present turned to the Far East, where the situation is fraught with disturbing possibilities. Fortunately, the sensational reports emanating from Australia, following' the meeting of the Wai’ Council for the Commonwealth, appear to have been more serious than warranted, and authoritative quarters in London have declared that the “scare” was not justified by developments. This is but another example of the danger of accepting at face value, everything that may be cabled by enterprising correspondents, in these days of war and rumours of war. Nevertheless, the situation in the Far East is such that no risks should be taken, and it is reassuring to know that the position is being carefully watched, both in Britain and ’ the Dominions.

In Australia, the party leaders have called upon the people of the Commonwealth to make the greatest possible efforts to ensure that nothing shall be neglected in preparing for defence.’ The need is no less urgent where New Zealand is concerned, and Mr. Fraser has plainly indicated that greater sacrifices must be expected from every section of the community, in order to achieve the maximum war effort. In the past few years, New Zealanders generdly have been called upon to make many sacrifices, not all of which have been regarded as necessary.

Where the war effort is concerned, however, none will resent the call, realising the truth of Mr. Fraser’s reminder, that, if New Zealand is to’survive as an integral self-go-verning unit of the British Commonwealth, all must he prepared to do their utmost, according to their capacity. In other words, it is a ease of “shoulders to the wheel,” and the expenditure of every ounce of energy. That the Government is alive to the needs of the situation may be taken for granted, and the latest pointer in this direction lias been given by the Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan), who has expressed satisfaction with the progress already made in the manufacture of munitions in the Dominion. There are obvious difficulties to be surmounted, but the co-operation, of every employer and worker will go a long way to ensuring success.

The words of Mr. Sullivan, that this is no time for airing petty grievances, should be taken to heart by all concerned, and there should be a complete absence of industrial stoppages of the pinpricking variety. New Zealanders may with advantage, take a leaf from the book of the people of Britain, to whom the First Lord of the Admiralty (Mr. A. AC Alexander) is the latest to pay tribute. In spite of their trials and tribulations, —the end of which is not yet, —he recorded a high level of faith and determination. Such is the spirit that will, ultimately, write “finis” to Axis ambitions.