THE WAR EFFORT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23851, 30 December 1940, Page 9

THE WAR EFFORT

GROWING MOMENTUM

APPEAL FOR CO-OPERATION

PRIME MINISTER'S ADDRESS

The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, reviewed the year 1940 in a broadcast address last evening. He paid a tribute to tlie bravery of the British people. Sympathy was expressed with New Zealand people whose relatives had been on board New Zealand ships attacked by raiders. He expressed hope that passengers had been taken aboard the raider and that news would be heard of them shortly. Mr. Fraser referred to the introduction of compulsory military service, a course rendered essential by the rapid deterioration of the situation overseas, which brought the clouds of war much nearer to our own shores. Use of Shipping Space "The momentum of our war effort is growing, in spite of the fact that 50.000 men have already been taken from industry for the armed forces," said Mr. Fraser. "Primary producers have made wonderful efforts. The change-over from butter to cheese has resulted in an increase from 80,000 tons to 92,000 tons in the export figure. Butter exports have also increased by 12.000 tons. "The limiting factor in supplying Britain with food and raw material is shipping space. Shipping losses, which have been heavy during recent months, are therefore a most serious matter for us as well as for the people of the United Kingdom. Plans are under way for greatly increased storage space in New Zealand for such emergencies as may arise. "It will be obvious that we must make the best possible use of the ships available, filling them with the goods most urgently needed by Britain, and loading them as quickly as possible. This requires the co-operation of everybody concerned/' The Cost ol War Referring to war finances, Mr. Fraser said the cost of war to-day was tremendous. "More and more production is needed if we are to bear this financial burden successfullv," he said. "It must be borne in mind also that increased production is needed at a time when more and more men are being absorbed in military service. It is obvious that greater effort on the part of those who remain at home is urgently required. "There is in war time always a tendency toward inflation, and this must be controlled. There is another tendency for prices to rise. The prices of essential commodities must- be stabilised. It is the responsibility of the Government to meet these difficulties and to interpret the people's will."