“UTMOST FAITH”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20262, 1 June 1940, Page 6

“UTMOST FAITH”

OUTCOME OF THE WAR FARMERS’ CONFIDENCE “INTERNAL BICKERING” UNION LEADER’S APPEAL Faith in the outcome of the war, provided whole-hearted co-operation was assured, and an appeal to discontinue internal bickering were voiced by Mr. J. E. Benson, Poverty Bay provincial president of the Farmers' Union, at the annual provincial meeting yesterday afternoon. “In presenting my report I do so under conditions that were never dreamt of a year ago,” Mr. Benson said, “and whilst not wishing to be pessimistic in any way , we must realise the gravity of the situation. Although our foes have made great advances and it may seem as though we have lost the first round, we know that the enemy, in making those advances, must have weakened themselves tremendously, both in arms and in human lives. We feel sure the position they have gained cannot be held for long. “We have the utmost faith in tho outcome, and we must all be prepared to do our utmost and make sacrifices, no matter how great. We must produce food and also assist in keeping the ranks of our fighting men up to full strength, and these are the only two main objectives that the country should have in view. ‘‘l would urge the Government to come out and say this openly. If it does this, there will be no question of the answer that the people of New Zealand will give. “Get Down to Work” “I believe that they are tired of internal bickering, and if there was a sincere call for everyone to get down to work and do his best for the country, there will be no question of what the answer will be. “Further, we can settle internal differences after we have won the war, but if we do not win the war there will be no internal differences to settle, and New Zealand will be doomed to a life of servitude. “Surely it is better for us to make sacrifices now than pay the penalty of failing to make sacrifices, and thus place ourselves under foreign domination. Any man of character who today gets up and asks the community for a united effort to win the war is doing the country the best service he can, and there is no question that it should be done. .“We see every day in the press so many comments with regard to what our Government should do, apparently resented by it. but we can assure it that we are all out to do everything in our power to assist in bringing the war to an early conclusion. If every farmer would only produce a little more each, then the total amount would be of wonderful assistance.”