N.Z’s. BEST DEFENCE

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 10

N.Z’s. BEST DEFENCE

High Production Level WELLINGTON, March 20. “From the experience gained during the past year, we are perhaps better placed than any other country to govern oui* imports, so that the maximum good is recorded to the sterling group with minimum interference with business,” said the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones), in an address to the annual meeting of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce.

He said that the business community had a big responsibility in its hands, and a great trust to honour and protect. The control measures introduced by the Government could do much to protect the interests of the majority of the people, but commercial men, as individuals, in their daily work could do even more. All the efforts of the military forces would be rendered valueless, if they were not supported by the wealth, in the true sense of the word, of our country. It was the obvious duty of every man who remained behind to increase production, and to avoid waste.

“This war may be a long business,” continued Mr. Jones, “and it is obvious that England is paying as much attention to the economic aspect as to the military side. The days when war affected only a part of the population are gone. We must use our’i man-power to its fullest advantage, conserving oui' resources and increas- j ing our production, so that the max- ] imum effort may be the result.