Patriotism and Petrol

Northern Advocate, 9 December 1941, Page 4

Patriotism and Petrol

WHEN broadcasting to the Empire’this morning, Mr. Churchill emphasised the difficulties with which Britain and her Allies will be confronted as a result of the entrance of Japan into the war. He pointed out that the need for supplying Russia had necessitated reduction of the war materials hitherto sent by the United States to Britain.

This diversion of supplies, of course, is in the fullest sense of the words, the essence of wisdom, for Russia has proved, and will continue to prove, one of the greatest stumbling blocks in the way of Hitler’s progress. But, that fact admitted, the need for supplying Russia constitutes a clarion call to the workers of the British Empire to redouble efforts to produce munitions of war of every description.

Japan’s declaration of war against the United States must inevitably still further slacken the flow of munitions to Britain, and make more urgent the acceleration of war production in the British Empire. The pooling of resources must be the keynote of Allied policy, men and munitions being sent where they are most needed. This suggests the question whether the people of New Zealand, to mention only one section of the Allied nations, is as aware of this obligation as they should be. Are they more interested in amusement and personal comfort than in the all important matter of helping their country to defend itself and contribute to the common cause of the democracies?

As straws show the direction of the wind, so do the actions of individuals show the spirit by which they are moved. The obvious disinclination of some sections of the public to assist the Dominion’s war effort if by so doing they interfere with their own business or pleasure, has been the subject of torrid comment during recent weeks.

It is not long since the president of the R.S.A. stigmatised as “infernal impudence” a protest by motorists against curtailment of petrol supplies during the approaching holiday season. Mr. Perry considered, and very rightly, that conservation of petrol, rather than its expenditure upon holiday jaunting, should be the all-absorbing desire of motorists

In extenuation of the request for increased supplies of petrol during the holidays, it was urged that if New Zealand were actually in danger through the outbreak of war in the Pacific, there would be good reason for conservation of supplies of petrol, and that no motorist would advocate any other course. Was that argument valid? War has come to the Pacific, and, for all wo know to the contrary, the whole of the stocks of petrol in this country may be required for military and other essential purposes. Indeed, the stocks may be altogether inadequate, and it may be impossible to secure fresh stocks. In spite of these considerations, the announcement of war with Japan yesterday was a signal for a rush to petrol stations not only to fill tanks but to get extra quantities. To such extent was tins rush made that the Government was forced to decree the nonavailability of two coupons still in hand by motorists. Should such disciplining have been necessary? If the people of the Dominion were moved by a spirit of patriotism and desire to help their country, even at the cost of inconvenience which is not to be compared with the price the people of Britain have paid in order to keep the enemy from their shores, there would have been no rush on the bowser stations yesterday, and no attempt to secure petrol supplies which the Government had decreed should not be issued. It is not understandable that at a time such as the present, with war clouds hanging low over this portion of the world, there should be those who boast to their friends that they have provided in advance petrol supplies which will allow them to make extended holiday tom's. Is this the spirit to which Mr. Churchill has appealed?