GREATER EFFORT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20638, 19 August 1941, Page 6

GREATER EFFORT

NEW ZEALAND NEED ‘CANNOT AFFORD TO LOAF’ MR. COATES' ADVICE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The imperative need of unity of purpose and effort in the present struggle against oppression was emphasised by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates at a reception tendered to him last night by the National Club. ‘‘We cannot afford to loal." he declared. “If the United States is giving us assistance, there is so much more reason why we should be called upon to do more than we have done yet. It is up to each of us to see how much wc can do. Never mind the other fellow. If sufficient people resolve to put in a greater effort, that example will take the others along with you.” Mr. Coates gave a warning to those who were inclined to take too optimistic a view of things. There were some who thought that Hitler would bog down in Russia, and that it was an accomplished fact. It was not. The outlook to-day was just as serous as ever it was. Those who argued that Britain and the United States were turning out tremendous quantities of ammunition and other war equipment—as they were—should not lose sight of the fact that Hitler had captured factories in overrun Europe that could for the time being match the resources pitted against him. "I think there is far too much politics talked in these days,” , added -Mr. Coates. “That applies to all parties. There is a greater thing required to-day than any one political faith, and that is a common faith. We owe it to ourselves and our families. “What will happen if fire breaks out in the East? I think it -will make us realise the need for standing together, no matter what our politics are, or what creed we follow. What concerns me is how best we can weld opinion in this country to face the issue to-day. We have to show the mettle of which we are made, and we can only do it by helping one another.”