AUSTERITY LOAN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 November 1942, Page 2

AUSTERITY LOAN

LAUNCHED IN AUSTRALIA PRIME MINISTER’S COMMENT (Rec. 2.0 p.m.) Perth, Nov. 3. “We are getting stronger and we can feel a sense of confidence as a result of rebuffs the enemy has suffered dining the last thre months," declared Mr Curtin, Prime Minister, when launching the Federal Government's £100,000,000 austerity loan appeal. “The enemy can come no further south than he has reached and he is being gradually forced to the reconsideration of the uses of his fighting forces. But we have not yet commenced the offensive.” Every Australian must organise his spending capacity, said the Prime Minister. The people had to discipline themselves and they must not waste money or food and must not use services needed by the fighting forces. The nation would have to do better than it had ever done before if the Japanese were to be driven back. “The troops do not moan.” he said. “Neither must you. The Government makes no apology for imposing what is called ‘austerity’ on the Australian public. There is no place of escape for the people of this country or of any country until an absolute decision has been reached in the struggle. The sensible thing, as well as the patriotic thing, is to adapt ourselves to the maximum of capacity and of service.”—P.A.