Offers Of Service From All Sides

Northern Advocate, 5 September 1939, Page 7

Offers Of Service From All Sides

[Per Press Association. Copyright. 3 , WELLINGTON, This Day

\LL SHADES OF OPINION IN NEW ZEALAND HAVE PLEDGED THEIR SUPPORT FOLLOWING THE GOVERNMENT’S ACTION IN STANDING BEHIND GREAT BRITAIN AND OTHER PARTS OF THE EMPIRE IN THE PRESENT WAR.

“We can say with one voice, one will and one conviction, that the British Government has done everything’ to avert this tragedy,” said: the Minister of Public Works (Mr. Semple).

He was addressing ‘representatives of Canterbury local bodies during an inspection of irrigation centres, says an Ashburton message.

British People Innocent.

“When the history of this bloody conflict is written, the British people must be held, innocent. “Mr Chamberlain has done everything. •

I “He* has almost humiliated himself in the cause of peace, but now the step has been taken, our duty is to make a vow that if Ehgland goes down we go down with her.

“But I am confident we will not go down, that justice will, prevail, and that tyranny will not be exercised. We do not live in the days of the jungle, “We must do all we can to perpetuate British institutions and British liberty.”

Returned Soldiers,

The following resolutions were passed at a special meeting of the 1 Dominion Executive Committee of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association: “That the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association congratulate the Government for so promptly standing behind Great Britain and other parts of the Empire in the present wav.

“Following on numerous individual offers of its members for service, the association now offers its services to assist the Government In such a manner as may be necessary.

“The New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, being mindful of the feelings and thoughts experienced by its members in 1914, desires to say to those who may be called upon to follow in their footsteps, and with whom some of its members may probably inarch again,, that the association pledges itself that all its experience and influence will be directed to ensure equality of service in every way as far as this is possible. “Further, at this time, and all times, it will follow the fortunes of its successors with the greatest confidence, and has no doubt they will prove more than worthy of performing the - great task ahead of-them.”

Spirit- of Anzac.

In accordance with the decision of a special meeting of the executive yesterday, the Hon. W. Perry, Dominion president of the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association, has despatched a cablegram to Gilbert Dyett, Federal president of the Returned Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Imperial League of Australia, as follows “To-day the Diggers of New Zealand look across the Tasman knowing that the spirit of Anzac will prevail again.” Industrial Truce Urged.

The president, Mr A. C. Mitchell, has issued an appeal to the New Zealand Employers’ Federation, in which he states:

“I know it is unnecessary for any appeal of mine to stimulate the loyalty of members or to ensure their services, 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 will not be out of place.” Mr Mitchell appealed, above all, 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 might arise to prevent friendly relationship.

Railwaymen’s Pledge

At the largest meeting ever held in the Otahuhu railway workshops, presided over by the Works manager (Mr J. B. Graham), the following resolution was carried unanimously:

“That this mass meeting of railwayman pledges loyal support for and cooperation with any measures which the Government may find it necessary to take in connection with the present situation, and further records its appreciation of the steps already taken by the Government for the defence of New Zealand.”

F.Up Promises Aid. The Dominion president of the Farmers’ Union, Mr W. W. Mulholland, has intimated to the Minister of Agriculture (Mr Lee Martin) that the whole organisation and resources of his union are at the disposal of the Government. An offer of a similar nature was made by the North Island Freezing Companies’ Association. In both cases the Minister has replied, expressing the iSanks of the Government, and stating that the offers would be availed of if occasion arises.