"KEEP UP YOUR SPIRITS."

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, Issue LXXII, 24 May 1917, Page 6

"KEEP UP YOUR SPIRITS."

SEE THE WAR THROUGH TO END.

A spirit of vigorous optimism (says the N.Z. Herald) characterised^ the references made to the war on Saturday evening by the Hon. A. M. Myers, in a speech at the Auckland Commercial Travellers' and Warehousemen's Association "social." The j Minister remarked that a small section of the community seemed to think it necessary to become despondent over the present situation. He disagreed with these people. "The great thing at present is to keep up our spirits," said Mr Myer», amidst applause. "We must see that our industrial machinery goes smoothly, but we must also see that we do not become downhearted. Are we downhearted? (Cries of 'No!') Ar« our boys at the front downhearted? (Renewed emphatic negatives). No, we are not downhearted; but, behind our smiles let our faces show our determination to see this war through until a glorious peace is proclaimed. (Applause.) Keep up your spirits-; laugh and singj always provided that it aoes not interfere with your duty. We have the satisfaction of knowing that, at present, we have the greatest military machine the world has seen for 2000 years beaten. (Applause.) We know it is impossible for Germany to win. We know it is only a question of time for the Allies to be successful. (Applause.) Paaoe may come this year or next year; in the meantime our best endeavors ar© needed. "When the great storm broke out the question asked was whether we should be able to stand the test from the military, the financial, and the moral point of view. Since then there have been tremendous increases in our navy, our army, and our aerial services, whilst our output of munitions has increased over 5000 per cent. (Applause.) The military position today, as compared with that of three years ago, is one we have reason to be proud of. Not only is Great Britain stronger from the military, the financial, and the economic standpoint, but her cause and that of her Allies has attracted the leading nations of civilisation, who are now espousing her cause. It is only a question* of time when we shall be able to ccc .realised the ideals for which the sword was unsheathed by Britain. (Applause.) "There is no suggestion of an inconclusive .peace on behalf of the Allies," declared the Minister. "1 venture to say that Russia will rehabilitate herself, probably sooner than we expect, and will help to bring the war to a victorious conclusion. (Applause.) It is also a matter for congratulation that we now have America as an ally. (Applause.) Her fleet is already in European waters, and her first contingent has reached the Mother Country. Applause.) There is no doubt that the finanoial and military strength of America will help to bring about a speedier termination of the war. In the meantime . keep up your spirits. It is the last ounce that is going to tell."