S.O.S.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 2 October 1944, Page 4

S.O.S.

I To the* Filter J

Sir,—lt is my disappointing duty to send to every resident in the Nelson district an S.O.S. This is a code signal only, signifying distress and used by ships, aeroplanes, etc., as a call for help. I am sending the S.O.S. so that all who read may heed, as the Nelson Victory Loan Campaign is in distress and calling for help because of the disappoint* ing amount of investments so far received from our district.

With only two more days to go to the close of the loan, we arc far short of Fie required amount of investments for our district objective, but even at this late hour, the position is not irretrievable.

I am still hopeful that my S.O.S. will be answered satisfactorily, and in no uncertain manner, and Nelson district will regain its self-respect, in fact be proud of the part it played in this loan —otherwise we bring shame. Do not let us fail to live up honourably to our obligations. View it whatever way you choose, investments in the War Loan are Investments of prudence and common sense, and remember there is no way to pay for the war except by putting up the money either by taxation or by loan. Let us show our appreciation of our men on active service who. by their bravery in battle, their character and general behaviour have earned a repu. tation second to none. Do you know that, , up to the Ist September, our New Zealand men had won 461 awards for gallantry, including five V.C.’s. Then what about the airborne forces in Arnhem, whose gallant fight against odds will go down in history and rank as an epic on the Empire Military Scroll of Honour? Remember 8.000 men went, into this battle, and only 2,000 came back. It is described as one of the most glorious battles of the war, as it was fought with honour, high courage and sacrifice. What can we do to show our respect, our gratitude for such men? One way—a small way certainly—is to invest all we can afford in the Victory War Loan, and so do our part in helping our war effort.

Let us remember Lincoln’s words at Gettysberg:—

“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honoured dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion —that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain.” Also let us recall this poem from Perth Amby:— “Dear Lord, Lest I continue My complacent way, Help me to remember, Somewhere out there A man died for me to-day. As long as there be war, I then must Ask and answer, Am I worth dying for?” Also remember the war is not yet won; the Germans are now fighting harder than was expected. Great tasks are still ahead. It would be a mistake to think and hope that a rapid conclusion of the war will be reached and that the Germans can be defeated in the near future. Your investment in the Victory War Loan is needed, and needed urgently. Let us all count it a privilege to invest our money as the high cause transcends anything else. In conclusion, allow me to quote part of a daily intercession published in Dunedin;— “Almighty God—Who has made us citizens of this realm and Empire, enable us, though we remain in the shelter of our homes, to do our country service. Help us to pray for our rulers and for those who are in perils of war. Make us calm, unselfish and patient—show us what is our duty and strengthen us to do it." —I am, etc.,

C. MILNER, Chairman, Nelson District .War Loan Committee.