APPEAL FOR BONDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXII, Issue 98, 25 March 1942, Page 4

APPEAL FOR BONDS

OUTSTANDING PARADE MINISTERIAL SUPPORT Following the military parade through the city yesterday, this being one ot the most remarkable displays ever seen here, and a highly gratifying spectacle for the thousands ol citizens who witnessed it, speeches were made in an appeal tor the buying of "bonds lor bombers”. The Minister of Defence (Air Jones) was the chief speaker, and he urged that all who could possibly buy bonds should do so, saying that it was the desire that the Royal New Zealand Air Force should be even better equipped than it is to-day. The Minister and the Mayor (Air A. R. Alansford) took the salute lor the parade. Speaking as chairman of the National Savings Committee in Palmerston North, after the parade had passed. Afr At. A. Eliott said this was not the time for talking. The country was ready for action —immediate action—and the best resistance was attack. AVc had, should the occasion arise to attack the cnemv’s fleet, to sink his transports and to shoot his planes from’ the sky. Air Eliott read a list of bodies and associations which were buying bonds, including the Alanawatu Chinese Association. . The ATavor welcomed the Afinister to Palmerston North, saying all were pleased to see him. He congratulated the Minister .and those responsible for Ihe organisation of the parade. It was the best of its kind seen in this city, and probably among the best seen in New Zealand. Air Alansford surveyed the course ol the war since the late Afr Chamberlain announced on September 3. 1939, that England was at war with Germany, and then referred to the entry of Japan. Now was the time to go ahead with all we had. “Lend all or lose all” was our slogan and should be our motto. The speaker then declared the “week” officially open. MOST EFFECTIVE WEAPON.

First buying a bond for £lO, the A 1 mister said no was thrilled at what he had seen in connection with New Zealand's war effort, he had still a lot to do, but it had been a splendid showing. Wo had any number ol young men and women and we should assist, them to the utmost limit. We had not yet all the equipment we would like, but all could play their part in this direction in the “Bonds lor Bombers’ week. On most of the occasions he had been in Palmerston North he had come here in connection with aviation, the A 1 mister proceeded. The first time was when the Palmerston North-Dwnedin commercial aviation service was opened, the second when the route to Auckland was opened. By reason ol its geographical position this city would be a most important centre lor both service and commercial aviation. New Zealand was obtaining good and power!ul aircraft, with more to lollow, and the airmen we had turned out had proved themselves second to none. Wc Had many splendid young men in the Royal Air Force, in the fleet Air Arm. Machines, however, must have ammunition and equipment, and the most effective weapon lor them to carry was the bomb. The bonds were a sound business investment, the Minister emphasised, and then referred to the offer made from Trentliam camp for the purchase ot £IOO in bonds. He said lie knew that the people of Palmerston North would contribute freely, for the Air .f orce , was our first line of offence. Contributions were wanted to help the gallant men in the air. Palmerston .North would set an example for New Zealand and if the citizens did their job then the Services would carry out their tasks faithfully and well. Thanks were expressed by the Minister to Air Eliott, and tlie members of his committee, to Air E. J. Smith (aeting-Chici Postmaster) for his work, and to those with him in the preparation of the pageant of costume and to the officers and men of the Lighting Forces which had taken part in the parade, which was a credit to Nett Zealand. Mr J. Hodgens, M.P-, said he felt, in standing among the people, that lie was with those who appreciated just what was at stake in New Zealand. Air Hodgens reserved to the flight of planes which had passed overhead a lid said that this was a time for paying in and realising our position—for il we did not we would lose J Thanks were expressed by Mr Eliott to the Minister and to all who had taken part in the afternoon s programme. At a later stage the Alinistei added his particular thanks to the Air Force Band. In addition to the most impressive military display there were in the i parade members of the W.A.A.F., and Air Force personnel. The playing and deportment or the Air Fdrce Band made a most attractive feature, while the attendance of an Army band further added to the colourfuiness of the afternoon s display. At the close the pageant of costumes was presented, Air Snuih giving a running commentary on the costumes presented. A full flight of planes which roared past, flying low, proved another feature of the programme. Up to noon to-dav the total amount subscribed in the city of Palmerston North was £12.270 (the total last night being £9341 and for the city and district £20.811). Shortly after the stall conducted by the W.AV.S.A. commenced the sale of bonds this morning one resident purchased a bond for £IOOO. DOMINION TOTAL. By last night a total of £24(1.039 had been subscribed throughout New Zealand to tlie “Bonds for Bombers” campaign. In the first two days Wellington contributed about £32,000. In the New Plymouth district nearly £IO,OOO has been raised in two days; Wanganui district’s total to .date is £10,290. Included in yesterday's total was £3450 at Alarton, where the sales now exceed £4OOO. At an interval in the State Theatre at Nelson, during the screening ol ‘Target For To-night”. £1665 in bonds was sold. The time permitted for the use' of the theatre was 20 minutes, so that the sales represented more than £BO a minute. Authority is to he given local authorities to invest any surplus funds in “Bonds for Bombers”. The Prime Afinister said last evening that a question had boen raised as to the powers of local bodies in this respect.