“NEAR OWN SHORES”

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 25 October 1940, Page 3

“NEAR OWN SHORES”

PRIME MINISTER S WARNING NEED FOR CO-OPERATION [United Press Association] CHRISTCHURCH, 24th October. “We are all in this fight at the present time. Do not let us imagine that danger is not facing us. It is, because in one night, one hour, things may change, and place us in danger. All we can do is to do our best at the job we are at. If we do that we will have a clear conscience.” These remarks were made by the Prime Minister, • the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, yesterday, in addresses to gatherings of workers at factories in Christchurch. The important part industry was playing in the war effort was emphasised by Mr Fraser. Systematic and co-operative work seen in the factories, he said, was a sample of the spirit which was out to prevail in the whole nation. “Never was that spirit more required than at present,” said the Prime Minister. When war came, the call went out immediately to the people to rally round, not only to the boys to join up for the Air Force, the Army, and the Navy, but for all to do their best, wherever they were. The work of the youngest operatives in the factory was just as essential as the work of the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan, or himself. All had to fit in with the work they were called on to do. If they failed, the national effort was let down. They had to do their best to strengthen the lads who were risking their lives to carry on for them. Great Britain was bearing the brunt of the struggle and the workers were responding to an extraordinary extent, because they felt they were just as much in the war as were the soldiers. In fact, the ordinary folk, the civilians, were bearing the greatest share of the burden at present because of the attacks by an unscrupulous, merciless enemy. The British people had never shown themselves in a finer spirit. That alone should be an inspiration to New Zealanders, who would be making a mistake if they thought only Britain was in danger. “NEAR OWN SHORES” “All who follow foreign affairs through newspapers, the radio, and reading, must know that matters have developed not only in Europe but elsewhere,” said Mr Fraser in another address, “and that the tide of war is rolling up near to our own shores. We have no time to argue. We know the cloud of war overshadows us here and we must do everything and sacrifice everything we possibly can for our very existence.”

Britain was the last bastion of democracy, said the Minister of Supply, Mr Sullivan. If its flag of liberty went down, the flag here would also be lowered. The right to have trade unions, their own government, to make laws and to say how they would live would go if Britain lost. In the meantime, they had to help to provide for the defence of their country; and the factory workers were doing an immense job.

“We can only ask you to continue to do your best,” Mr Sullivan said. “Whether you are the management, the men, the women, the boys, and the girls in the factory, we ask you to do your utmost till the war is over and freedom has been won and we have safeguarded democracy, liberty, freedom, trades unionism, and all those things involved in the struggle.” %