NO SLACKENING

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 21601, 2 January 1945, Page 4

NO SLACKENING

FUTURE EFFORTS PRIME MINISTER’S APPEAL HOME FRONT" IMPORTANT (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Jan. 2. The following New Year message to the people of New Zealand has been received from the Prime Minister, the Tit. lion. P. Fraser: "On New Year’s Day, 1915, I have the privilege to extend from Rarotonga, where I have spent two days, the' warmest seasonal greetings to my fellow citizens in New Zealand. I am sure that I voice the sentiments of the people of New Zealand, both Maori and pakeha. when I preface my message by wishing on their behalf, and on my own, a happy and prosperous New Year to the Polynesian peoples of Cook Island, the Tokelaus and Western Samoa. From what I have seen and heard in the past 10 days, I know that the peoples of these islands warmly extend similar good wishes to the people of New Zealand “This is the sixth new year which we have entered with the shadow of war around us, and on this more than any of the previous occasions, we have cause to believe that it will be a happier and more successful year f han the five which have passed. Our Deople have earned the right to share the pride which all peoples of the United Nations feel about the achievements of 1944. Last year we marched with history: we have seen the armies of liberation strike into western Europe and our own men have contributed with their accustomed distinction and valour towards the defeat of the enemy in Italy. We watched the steady advance of Soviet troops in eastern Europe and we witnessed, perhaps with undue optimism, the drawing of a band of steel round Germany itself. In the Pacific American forces have achieved great successes in a series of outstanding operations over vast spaces. We are proud of the fact that in this theatre also our own men on land, sea and in the air have made their contribution. Fighting Men’s Noble Fart “New Zealand fighting men have as in previous years, played a notable part in the victories of 1944. The quality of those men and their achievements have been widely and justly acclaimed. We know their sacrifices and above all we are resolved not to forget them. One of the most difficult problems which faces us in the new year is the implementation of replacement schemes for those who have served overseas longest and are clearly entitled to relief. Their places can only be taken by those who havr been held back in essential industry or by others now in industry whose overseas service has not been of long duration. I am confident that any disorganisation which this entails will be accepted and overcome as on previous occasions when our war effort demanded extraordinary measures to meet extraordinary situations. “In 1944 as in previous new years the people of New Zealand can point with pride to their splendid record on the home front. Production has been sustained at remarkably high levels—New Zealand has a very large share of responsibility for feeding the oeople of Britain and we are determined to do our utmost to send food to the people who have withstood hardships far greater than any we have been called upon to face. The most efficient conduct of the war ; .n.e Pacific has meant for New Zealand a great output of food and other stores for our American allies Farm production has been maintained at a high level, despite climatic and other difficulties, and we are encouraged by the prospect of a good season this year. Factory workers continue to break records of production in supplying war needs and civilian necessities. It is essential in view of recent demands for increased munitions production that in certain directions these efforts should be intensified. Moreover, if New Zealand is to be preserved from economic adver- : sity, production must continue at a 1 high level. Stabilisation System

“The only real answer to the problem of stabilisation is the provision of adequate goods and services for the people. Our system of stabilisation has spared us economic hardship and injustice, and its continuance is imperative if we are to preserve our country from the economic ills which otherwise go with wars and follow wars. It is necessary, too, if we are to ensure that our comprehensive rehabilitation plans are built on a secure foundation. It would be a poor reward for our returning servicemen if the plans laid for their re-estab-lishment - were frustrated by our failure to control economic forces in the best interests of the whole community. We who are safe at home know well how small is the sacrifice and effort required of us compared with that of our overseas fighting men, but such small sacrifices as are necessary at home are still valuable and they can help to shorten the war. By helping to increase production, by honestly observing the rationing rules, by cutting expenditure to the minimum, and by using surplus money in war savings and by taking our few wartime hardships in good part—by these ordinary everyday actions we can assist towards shortening the war, and it must not be forgotten that the lengthening of the war by even one day means death and suffering to thousands. “Though the prospects of victory are certain, its attainment is not yet in sight and there is and can be no feeling of complacency and no slackening of effort. The spectacular victories of the past few months may have caused some to take their eyes off the main objective and turn prematurely towards the preparation for peace. Undoubtedly preparation for peace is a task as momentous as that of victory, but its pursuit must not be at the expense of the war effort. We have witnessed during the past few days the strength of the blows which the enemy is still capable of delivering. I am not able at this distance to gauge the outcome of the German counter-attack on the Western Front, but I hope and pray that its lesson will be taken to heart. The war is not yet won; the enemy is still strong in spirit as well as in resources, and there is no sign of a crack in his morale nor in the ferocity of his resistance. Millions are still suffering bitter privations under his yoke, and our kinsfolk in Britain are still sublet to aerial attack by day and night. The enemy is fighting on in the hope t.nat time will work on his side and. the unity of the Allies may be weakened. He hopes to exploit war weariness, he will endeavour to sow dissension between allies and friends, and he will take advantage of any slackening of effort. “So far as the people of New Zealand are concerned. I would like in this New Year message to call on everybody to devote to the war that same spirit of dogged determination which kindled their efforts and sustained them in the darkest days of the war after Dunkirk and Singapore, ancl when we ourselves were threatened. In this way all of us can make an effective contribution towards shortening the period of the conflict. There is hard fighting ahead in Europe and in the Pacific, and there can be no justification for any of us to neglect any effort that would shorten the war or to commit any action that would lengthen it. So long as we remember this, we are entitled to go forward into 1945 with hope and confidence. I wish you all a successful New Year and speedy victory.”