DUTCH LIBERTY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23761, 14 September 1940, Page 12

DUTCH LIBERTY

CHERISHED OBJECTIVE ? BROADCAST BY QUEEN FUND TO HELP BRITAIN f By Tolograph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, Sept. 12 Queen Wilhelmina and. her Ministers are already doing everything possible to begin immediately, as soon as the moment comea, the revictualling of the Netherlands with foodstuffs as well as raw materials for the economio restoration of the country. "We fully appreciate," said Queen Wilhelmina in a broadcast, "that, notwithstanding our considerable merchant navy, it will not be possible to give everybody immediately what he wants, but we trust that the Dutch solidity of our plan will guarantee a steady and mounting flow." Hopes lor Independence Expressing her heartfelt thanks for the countless expressions of congratulation, affection and sympathy received on the occasion of her 60th birthday, Queen Wilhelmina said the commemoration had developed into an overwhelming demonstration for the restoration of independence in the Netherlands, and reunion, in undisturbed freedom within the framework of the Dutch State, of the Dutch community of 70,000,000 citizens. This was an historical fact of lasting significance. A people which had vitality and strong will could not be subjugated merely by force of arms. "As a united people we will endure this trial," Queen Wilhelmina said. "Now proof of this can be found in the spontaneous generosity of the Netherlands East Indies for the Queen Wilhelmina Fund, which has been put at my disposal. Tho patriotism of donors and their strong will to win the war for the liberation of the Netherlands has given rise to their wish that part of the contributions of the total of 5,000,000 guilders should be spent for military purposes in the Allied struggle. Purchase of Aeroplanes "In conformity with the intention of the donors I have informed the King of Britain that tliey plan to give a number of military aeroplanes through the medium of the Prince Bernliard Fund, in which fund this amount will be deposited. "Great demonstrations of unity, and tho will to independence, together with such signs of national generosity and enorgy, cannot but lift us above the difficulties and sorrows of these days, and enable us to look with confidence to the future, which, under God's blessing, will give us all back a free and independent country." The fund will be used to supply 40 Spitfires and 18 Lockheed Hudson bombers to the Royal Air Force. HUGE EXPLOSION FACTORY TRAGEDY POWDER PLANT WRECKED AT LEAST 50 KILLED NE"W YORK, Sept. 32 A message from Kenvil, New Jersey, states that a terrific explosion shook the Hercules power plant, as as the immediate vicinity. It is estimated tli at at least 50 people were killed and 100 injured. Thirty bodies have been recovered. Calls were sent out over a wide area for ambulances and first aid squads, Every available fire engine was rushed to tho plant. The explosion was felt 20 miles away. Relief workers and supplies are being rushed to the scene by sea. The cause of the disaster is being investigated by the I'ederal Bureau. The Hercules Company is one of tho biggest powder manufacturers in the United States. It has a number of plants, of which the Kenvil factory is one. The company manufactures powder and dynamite for the Government. Tho explosion did incalculable damage and will delay 17,000,000 dollars worth of defence contracts. It is not yet known, however, if any British orders are involved. POLICE ASSISTANCE AUSTRALIAN HOME GUARD CANBERRA, Sept. 13 A conference of police commissioners and officials yesterday drew up a plan for the creation of a Home Guard, members of which would be required to assist the police at a time of emergency and also to deal with subversive influences in the Commonwealth. The officials will recommend the Federal Government to adopt the plan.