MR. SAVAGE'S INACTION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23155, 29 September 1938, Page 12

MR. SAVAGE'S INACTION

Social security begins to give way at election meetings to questions about national security. The people are uneasily pondering problems of defence and asking whether the Government is alive to its grave responsibilities on this score. Questioned. concerning local measures f\t Dunedin yesterday, the Prime Minis-ter-said "he was not prepared to discuss what might happen in certain eventualities, but. would wait until those eventualities occurred before announcing any action that might be taken." This statement is positively dismaying. Is New Zealand's defence system so complete and ready for instant action that nothing further need be done by way of preparedness? Can nothing be done in face of imminent catastrophe 1 Must eventualities become events before the head of the Government lifts a finger? This paralysis of leadership in New Zealand invites comparison with the splendid lead and unremitting service being given to the British nation by Mr. Chamberlain. The British people are responding to the call for defensive workers in many departments, but in New Zealand there has been no call. Even if the Government considers the threat of a hostile raid is remote and is prepared passively to accept the risk, at least the Dominion should be actively preparing to take her part in Empire defence, thus supporting the Motherland. If part of the Imperial plan is a concentration of available forces at Singapore, New Zealand should be ready to despatch her contribution at a moment's notice. Canada is considering facilitating the quick ( despatch of supplies to Britain. New Zealand can help in that way, too, by centralising shipments and organising labour for the most expeditious loading and turn-round of precious tonnage. But if, with Mr. Savage, New Zealand waits upon events, she will waste invaluable time in organising measures such as these which should be undertaken now.