War Situation Grave, But No Cause For Panic

Northern Advocate, 29 May 1940, Page 7

War Situation Grave, But No Cause For Panic

—MR. NASH

LSpecial to “Northern Advocate”] WELLINGTON. This Day. In a broadcast address last night, the Minister for Finance (Mr Nash) said lie had no wish, to minimise the gravity of the present war situation. It was as serious as ever, and probably would remain so for a considerable time. However, he would emphasise that there was no occasion for loss of heart or for panic, and New Zealanders should not let 'themselves be stampeded into ill-con-sidered criticism or activity. If ,all would play their part, any tendency toward feelings of frustration or hopelessness would be promptly and effectively stifled. Not Trusting in False Security. No one need think that it was trusting in false security to uphold confidence that the forces of France and Britain would carry the war. through to victory. Mr Nash said that New Zealand’s duty was to provide her greatest possible military contribution to mobilise her economic resources’, to s ustain it, and to keep up the national morale. With a united Commonwealth and all its individuals forgetting themselves in the enthusiasm for selfless work, the Dominion would be able to go forward effectively in the struggle. Increase Output. • Mr Nash also referred in part of his address to the assurance given in his broadcast last week that the Government undertook to purchase all the dairy produce and meat that thq country could produce for export. He said it was desired to increase the output of all lines, and especially of pig meat and cheese. This effort to attain maximum production called for organisation of shipping, at ports, in dairy factories and on farms. Mr Nash also expressed his thanks to many depositors in the Post Office Savings Bank who had assigned their interest to the War Expenses Account.