THE PROCLAMATION

Grey River Argus, 5 September 1939, Page 5

THE PROCLAMATION

ISSUED IN GAZETTE. WELLINGTON, September 4. Official notification of the British declaration of war on Germany is conta.ned iu an Extraordinary Gazette, issued at 3.30 a.m., to-day. The document states:— j “His Excellency the Governor-Gen-! eral has received a command from His Majesty the King, to declare that a state of war exists between His Majestv and the Government of the German Reich, and that a state of war has existed from 9.30 p.m., New i Zealand standard time, on September 3, 1939.” The proclamation is signer by the Governor-General (Lord Galway) and the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Fras-1 or >.

N.Z. German Consul RECEIVES HIS PASSPORT. WELLINGTON September 4. The Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr. Parrv) stated to-day that an official call had been made on the German Consul (Herr E. Ramm) this morning, and Herr Ramm’s passport had been formally returned to him. The Consul was informed that his intel ests would be protected wnile here, and everything would be done lo facilitate his departure from New Zealand. APPEAL TO EMPLOYERS. WELLINGTON. September 4. The President, Mr. A. C. Mitchell, has issued an appeal to the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, in whicn he states: “I know it is unnecessary for any appeal of mine to stimulate the loyalty of members, or ensure their service, but, in times like these, there is apt to be a great deal of excitement and, perhaps, some careless thinking, and a clear, calm, reasoned statement of our duties may not be out of place.” Mr. Mitchell said that some members may be called upon to render active military service. To some, such service may not be possible, but all can serve in one way oi’ another. He stressed the value of preserving the social and economic life of the community. For some, service may mean only the quiet carrying on of ordinary business as efficiently as possible. Mr. Mitchell adds: “Above all, I [ would appeal for a truce in industrial ‘disputes, that nothing may be done by employers to disturb friendly relations where such exist, and that everything should be done to overcome any difficulties which may arise to prevent friendly relationships.”

Concluding, he says lie trusts there will be the utmost co-operation, harmony and goodwill between employers’ organisations and employees’ organisations, in this time of national disaster.

WESTPORT PRECAUTIONS. I I WESTPORT, September 4. j At the instance of the Mayor (Mr; Kilkenny) and the County Chairman (Mr D. J. Archer) a special meeting was held this afternoon to arrange: anj organise an Emergency Precau-| tions Committee for Westport and the i Buller district. It was stated by the Mayor that the organisation was a civil one, and that it was the du£?" of all to collaborate. Cr. Archer stated that County; Councillors and residents «of the County areas would be glad to give their assistance. RETAILER’S APPROVAL. CHRISTCHURCH, September 4. A joint meeting of the executives: of the Canterbury Branch of the New. Zealand Garage ‘Proprietors’ Association and the Christchurch Petrol Re- , sellers’ Association to-day passed the following resolution: “While fully ap-1 preciating the serious curtailment of business that will result, through the imposition of the Petrol Regulation, the Associations wish tn take the opportunity of assuring the Government, of the sincere co-operation of all members.” HON R. SEMPLE’S STATEMENT. ASHBURTON, September 4. “We can say, with one voice, one will, one conviction the British Government has done everything possible to avert this tragedy,” said Hon. R Semple, addressing representatives of Canterbury Local Bodies during an inspection of irrigation centres in the county. “When the history of this bloody conflict is written, the British people must be held innocent. Mi' Chamberlain has done everything—he has almost humiliated himself—in the cause of peace. But now me step has been taken, our duty is to make a vow that, if England goes down we go down with her. But I am confident that we will not go down, that justice will prevail, anti that the tyrant’s will shall not be exexercised. We don’t live in the days or the jungle. We must do all we can to pcrpeiuate British institutions and British liberty.