Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1944. COMING HOME.

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 September 1944, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1944. COMING HOME.

£ITTLE has been heard of late concerning the activities in Italy of the New Zealand Division, and perhaps, some explanation of this will be found in Mr. Fraser’s announcement in the House, yesterday, that important readjustments have been approved. New Zealand is to reduce her fighting forces overseas, to enable an increase 011 her own industrial and production fronts. Australia acted similarly some time ago, it being acknowledged that the small populations of the Commonwealth and the Dominion do not permit the supply of men for both fighting and production, to the extent most patriots desire. Regret that the aid to the Allies’ fighting forces will be reduced will be

lessened by the fact that the plan has the approval, of Mr. Churchill and the Chiefs of the Service staffs, and it must be considered by them that the new scheme is the best to further the common interest.

No question of New Zealand war weariness arises, nor is there any lessening of the national resolve to see the fight through to a finish, both, against Germany and Japan. The stage has been reached when the Allies’ strength is of such dimensions that the reduction of the New Zealand force will affect little the general scheme. The New Zealanders have established a fine record in Africa and Europe, and would have duplicated this in the Pacific, had the necessity arisen. If there is some regret that the Dominion has not contributed to the land forces gaining historic victories in France, Belgium, Holland and Germany, it must be remembered that New Zealanders were busy fighting during the earlier years of the war, when some of to-day’s active belligerents were training, or still neutral. The plain fact is that the extent of a nation’s manpower becomes decisive in time, and the “small” nations have to call a halt sooner or later.

Perhaps the most popular item in Mr. Fraser’s announcement, yesterday, was the arrangement to have long-service men replaced by those who have not served overseas, enabling the former to return home, a concession thoroughly earned, and one that will be welcomed by the men and their relations alike. Objections and difficulties were connected with the furlough granted previously to some drafts, and some of the developments were regrettable. The need for further farewells caused considerable strain, and there will be widespread relief that future returns will be permanent. No injustice will be caused to those now in industry exchanging with, those who have been on active service for so long. These returned men are to be directed to some essential industry, presumably after adequate leave, and this will be a drawback to many of the men. However, serious anomalies should be minimised, and perhaps before long, there will be no further need for reinforcements overseas, or industrial direction at home. There will be widespread gratification that General Freyberg is recovering from his injuries, and will soon take command again.