Their High Purpose

Northern Advocate, 13 February 1940, Page 5

Their High Purpose

“They have gone overseas with the high purpose of serving personally in the struggle for democracy and civilr isation. “They have literally, .along with so many brave men from the United Kingdom and other British Dominions, and in co-operation with our gallant French allies, entered the lists against forces which, if triumphant, would overthrow everything the people, of New Zealand hold dear, in our political, social economic, moral and spiritual life, and which would reduce our country to the position of a vassal State and our peoples to a condition of hopeless servitude. Gallant Pioneers. “These gallant pioneers who have answered the call, a call inseparable from our nationhood, excited admiration when they marched through our cities on the eve of their departure. “They are typical New • Zealanders, mostly by birth and some by adoption, and they have decided to stand shoulder to shoulder with the fighting men of every nation which is prepared to take a stand for international freedom because they hate bondage. “The people of the Dominion will be glad to know that our soldiers travelled in ships of the best class. “Having had an opportunity of inspecting them personally, along with the Minister for Defence (Mr Jones), I can vouch for the fact.

< Comfort of Troops. “Every possible provision was made for their comfort and wellbeing, and they were generally provided for in a manner fit for men who are ready to perform the most immediate and by far the most important service possible in this nation’s behalf. “The naval escort was not only adequate, but was most imposing. “So many people were responsible for the organisation necessary to complete so successfully the embarkation of the New Zealand soldiers that 1 could not even attempt to thank them individually. Community Effort. “The community effort involved the service of many, including' all those engaged in transport, and workers on the waterfront and elsewhere. • “In this connection there were some fine performances. “The expeditious despatch of a transport from Lyttelton, necessitating all-night work on the part of many men, was an outstanding example. “Comforts in great variety and in substantial quality were placed on all the ships by the National Patriotic Fund Board, and the generous-hearted citizens who made these gifts possible deserve our thanks. “On behalf of the Government and people of New Zealand I most sincerely thank all who assisted.’’