MR. FRASER’S WARNING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 27 May 1940, Page 6

MR. FRASER’S WARNING

CONSERVING EFFORTS POLITICS DEPRECATED SACRIFICES FOR VICTORY A defence of the Government's poiicy up to the present in dealing with the war, and a counter-attack upon critics, was made by the Hon. P. Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand, in a broadcast address last evening. Mr. Fraser stated that time was too precious to be wasted in recrimination. and he urged that all should cooperate in giving the greatest weight to the Dominion’s effort to aid the British Commonwealth and the Allies' cause. Among the events of the past few days, he said, the most disappointing feature had been the atilude of certain newspapers and public speakers, who had exceeded the bounds of decency in endeavouring to exploit the dillicultics of the situation, to the disadvantage of the Government. On the other hand, some of the newspapers had been fair and reasonable, grasping the facts regarding home defence .and the overseas forces and dealing with weaknesses in the right way. To these he extended his thanks. To the others, he. would say that a Government returned by a majority of the electors and commissioned by the people to govern would not be over-awed by clamour or yield l o mob rule. Every suggestion or effort to beln the Government would be welcomed, and co-operation was cordially invited. Criticism, too, would not be unwelcome, so long as it was fair. Dominion’s War Effort Some remarks heard involved charges that the Government was not putting forth the greatest efforts on behalf of the Dominion in the war; of complacencv; of apathv; of lack of vision: tf lagging behind public opinion. Not one of these charges would bear examination. Who. he asked, could be complacent in the face of the present situation? The arrogance of the attack on his colleague, the Hon. W. Nash, following his speech last week, marked the nnex—or the depth—of this onslaught. He would only say that not one word of Mr. Nash’s had been contradicted. not one figure discredited, not one statement challenged. He weired to thank the executive of the New Zealand Returned Solfliers’ Association. continued Mr. ’D'o-er. That body had waited on the Cabinet some weeks ago and had laid its views before Ministers in a friendly and helpful manner. Previous offers of assistance to the Government had been supplemented on that occasion. Subversive Propaganda The Prime Minister later referred !o subversive propaganda, and declared that those who were engaged >n if would be stopped. The documents which had been scattered through the country had done little harm, but the people were not in a mood to stand any more of them: nor was the Government. Anyone who stood in the way of the greatest effort towards victory in the war would be swept aside, lie said. Closing his speech, Mr. Fraser made an appeal for a more united and intense effort on the part of all the people, in every sphere of production. If longer hours of work were necessary, he knew the working people would face up to that necessity. for only by sacrificing privileges to-day could we maintain and retain them for the future. Great sacrifices might be asked for. Selfishness must be removed, and all must do their part, forgetting differences and avoiding recrimination. "If Britain falls, there is only devastation and gloom facing mankind,” he added. “I believe that everyone sincerely wishes to help Britain and her Allies to win the war. Let us do everything in our power to help them to achieve their objects.”