THE CONTINUING CALL

New Zealand Herald, Volume 80, Issue 24675, 30 August 1943, Page 2

THE CONTINUING CALL

These are days of many calls on the at.tenr.ion and the action of the average citizen. The calls on his purse are many, too. But, there is one which should never be overlooked. even though reminders of it are given only at intervals.. The war continues day and night, and every minute of that time men are on duty, facing its perils, bearing its hardships, enduring its monotony ih' 1 last of I en I he sorest t rial of them all. In the effort- to make the lite of those who a,re serving in battle, areas more tolerable, a country wide organisation exists, represented in Auckland by the Metro polifan Patriotic Commit lee. lis function is to act as the channel for conveying to the men and women on war service ilie extras, the comforts and the reminders oi' home which are so potent in softening hardships and relieving the monotony. 11 s iv purpose is to gather funds and administer them. The actual giving is the duty of all who are living at homo in the Iranquility of this, one of (he most fortunate countries in a war-torn world. The call to contribute is a continning one. No distraction should be allowed to obscure it. Yet., as was shown at. the last meeting of the commit:!ce, the 1913 appeal is languishing for

want of support. What was disclosed there is a reproach to the whole community, and should be realised as such by every individual. While place's of amusement are crowded and totalisator figures mount ever higher this, the worthiest cause to-day, suffers neglect. The challenge is out to the Auckland public to show it is not unmindful of those who are serving on sea, on land and in the air. Unless it is answered by full and generous giving, the community at home will have failed those it has sent to fight for it and for the Empire.