“RICH PRIZE”

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20571, 3 June 1941, Page 8

“RICH PRIZE”

DOMINION EULOGISED MIL HOLMES’ REVIEW OUTSTANDING FEATURES (Per Press Association. 1 AUCKLAND, this day. In a message to New Zealand. Mr. W. Holmes, the British trade union delegate, says: “First of all. I should say that comparative quietness is the main feature in New Zealand to an English visitor with recent experience of the violent war in the air over London. One hears a great deal in New Zealand about the majority of the people failing to realise that 1 lie most crucial war in British history is being fought day and night in the Old World. I think such comment is much too sweeping in its range. “The young men of Now Zealand are playing their full part in the terrific battles overseas. Surely the measure of their valiant service and sacrifice must make the war stark reality to the whole community. There are hearts that mourn for loved ones in New Zealand now. It is not more words that the British commonwealth needs to win the war: it is more work, more helpful effort in every practicable way, and great deeds that are required for victory. “I venture to say that if the citizens of New Zealand in their plenitude of welfare think with justifiable pride about the magnificent achievements of their armed forces, they will work and accept sacrifice in order to be worthy of their yoiuig men. I have had the privilege of seeing thousands of New Zealanders at work and at play. Many of your people themselves say with the candour of friends that the old English adage, ‘All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy’ has been somewhat reversed in New Zealand. Even in time of a fateful war that criticism is, I think, air exaggeration. A great deal of vital work is being done in spite of the numerous evidences of pastimes and pleasures. Penalties of War “I feel sure much more work would be done if certain essential materials were available in abundance. You cannot, make munitions from vegetables. As far as I've seen, and my observation has not been limited, there has been no slackening of effort on your farmlands. Primary production is remarkable for its yields. I wish that the bulging stores of meat, butter and cheese could be transferred to Britain, where a majority of the people arc like Pharaoh's loan. kine.

“As spoil as we can defeat Hitler’s attack on our shipping there will be more ships directed to New Zealand ports. There may be acute difficulties for farmers just now, but these are among the penalties of war. We shall want your farm products after the doom of the Nazi and Fascist gangsters has been sealed. Help all you can to ‘put them on the spot.’ “It is not for me to discuss political and economic problems in New Zealand. Hours of work, rates of pay, 'overtime charges, and any irritations within industry and commerce are matters for the people most concerned to settle in a common sense way. I have visited workshops and factories. Nowhere did I see anything to cavil at. The output is substantial and the quality of the work shows that this generation of workers have the skill and adaptability of their industrial forefathers and only need wider scope to develop their inherent resources as craftsmen. “I shall leave New Zealand with deep feelings- of gratitude for the great kindness and goodwill and with memories of an attractive country far advanced in amenities and social welfare. The work of a hundred years has made New Zealand a rich prize ■packet at a time when enemy nations think of loot and enslavement. Hold on to it for yourselves, fight for it, and work for the preservation of the enviable conditions of democratic life. I give you greetings and the thanks of 6.000,000 organised workers in the Old Country. God bless you all.”