The Times MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1943. Bogey Stories Out of Season

Manawatu Times, Volume 68, Issue 56, 8 March 1943, Page 4

The Times MONDAY, MARCH 8, 1943. Bogey Stories Out of Season

News from Australia through the past week provided an extraordinary contrast. Firstly, there was the “wailing and gnashing of teeth’’ class of stories about the menacing Japanese concentrations and of the dire threat these presented to our sister Dominion. It was suggested, indeed, that Australia might at any time bo invaded. And then, a few days later came the brilliant victory that resulted in a complete annihiliation of a big Japanese convoy—a shattering victory gained, without one shot being fired, entirely by air power. The completeness of the victory is something remarkable. But that air power acted so effectively against the enemy is not remarkable, for in the light of all that had happened these many months past this was to be reasonably expected. Surely the authorities in Australia must realise so apparent a fact. Why then is there a continual issuing of bogey stories. Tile same applies likewise, though to a decidedly lesser extent, in New Zealand. Twelve months ago both countries were in very read danger, particularly during the months of February, March and April. Thereafter the danger rapidly diminished. There was not seen, however, any comparable change in the leadership given the people. It is time that there was such a change. Bogey stories are* detrimental to a win-the-war morale. Their effect is to put people on the defensive. But the time has arrived now for an offensive temper. Our job is not to defend ourselves but to go out and win the war. For all practical purposes the Japanese have about as much chance of seriously attacking New Zealand as they have of eating ice cream in the place they will go to in the hereafter. The two attitudes of mind are entirely distinct and a, changeover from a spirit of fear to one of seeking combat could beneficially reorientate,our whole war policy.

Public 111-served

Some time ago attention was drawn in these columns to the very poor toll service now available to telephone users. In the opinion of some heavy users, this is looked upon almost as being a measure to gain revenue on the part of the department concerned — the slowness of the service making it necessary to put so big a proportion of calls through as urgent at double charge. It is hardly to be imagined that this is conscious policy. Almost certainly it has arisen through the loss from the telephone service of so many skilled operators. Bad though this is as a public service, the position is made still worse by the loss of the telegraph service to a very large extent over the week-end. From noon on Saturday till 9 a.m. on Monday there is for all practical purposes a cessation of this vital service.

. Yet is there not a greater need to-day of a fullest possible service than in ordinary times ? Thousands of people have constantly to travel about? Troops on leave and their relatives are very largely week-end travellers. Furthermore, travelling facilities are lessened, and in certain cases made rather uncertain, as to timely arrival at destination, by war influences. There is’ therefore, a need wherever possible of a round-the-clock service seven days a week. It is realised that the public must be prepared to make sacrifices as part of an all-out war effort. Some things can bo better sacrificed than others. In many cases it is better to pay more than to do without and the public would be prepared to do this where justifiable. The difficulties of staffing are quite recognised, but it is urged that the importance of communications warrants these being classed as a first essential. The telephone and telegraph services should be maintained in full during these difficult days.