FIFTH WAR YEAR

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24826, 24 February 1944, Page 7

FIFTH WAR YEAR

• DOMINION'S POSITION SPEECH FROM THRONE SIANPOWEK REQUIREMENTS r|(P.A.) WELLINGTON, Wednesday "Since I last addressed Parliament, ■the war situation in nearly every theatre as sllmvn a vast improvement, and to-day the fortunes of the United Nations engaged in this world struggle against the forces of aggression are in the ascendant," said His Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, in speech from the Throne at the openly of Parliament this afternoon. "Here jn the Pacific, the menace of Japan has j been removed further from our shores and the initiative has been taken from the enemy "It is a source of justifiable pride that the forces of this Dominion are g till foremost* in the attack,' His Excellency continued, "and that the devotion of the total effort of the country to the purposes of war continues to be the foremost aim. i Middle East and Pacific "The Second New Zealand Division, tinder the command of Lieutenantgeneral Sir 1-ernard Freyberg, after fighting with great distinction in North Africa, is now in the spearhead of the Italian offensive. In the Pacific, the Third New Zealand Division, under Jlajor-Generai H. E. Barrowelough, after many months of training, has beeir assigned an offensive role, in which it- lias already acquitted itself most creditably with the capture of Vella Lavella. the Treasury Islands and the Nissan Group." As a result of the operations in the Pacific, greatly increased responsibilities had been laid upon the Royal NewZealand Air Force, and its expansion to full establishment for its important share in the offensive had been pressed forward with the utmost vigour. The airmen of the Dominion continued to be gtronglv represented in the European ~ theatres of war, while at the same time playing an increasingly important part in the defeat of Japan. The Royal New Zealand Navy had a;«i participated most successfully in the operations in the South Pacific, while maintaining the defences of the ports of the Dominion against possible attack. Review of Resources After four and a-half years of hostilities. the Governor-General said, the stage had been reached when the resources of manpower suitable and available for service in the armed forces must be balanced with those required - for other essential wartime purposes. The present year would also require a fuller utilisation of the services of women, and a more rigorous policy of - moving workers to industries and services of rhe highest priority. "Among the more urgent matters to be dealt with this session will be a review of the Dominion's manpower re- ,:. t quirements, particularly as regards the balance between the armed forces, food production and other essential commitments," His Excellency said. "The production of foodstuffs and other rawmaterials for the United Kingdom, for the American forces in the Pacific, and for our own servicemen is more imperative than ever, and calls for efforts no less vital in the achievement ol victory than the successful accomplishment of military operations." Heavy Responsibilities

As one of the United Nations, New Zealand had assumed heavy and important responsibilities, which must be oorne to the full extent of the country's resources until final victory was won. In the ultimate settlement of fieace, the effective voice that New Zeaand desired and was entitled to raise would undoubtedly depend in large measure not only on the contributions and the sacrifices already made in the common cause, but also upon the heavy burdens which it was found possible to maintain during the remaining course of the war. While sustaining its military effort to the maximum extent, it was essential thit New Zealand should at the same time collaborate with the' other United Nations, and in particular with the members of the British Commonwealth, in .all plans for the attainment of final victory and for the preparations for peace. The Prime Minister would shortly attend a conference in London for the purpose of exchanging views with the other Prime Ministers of the Biitish Commonwealth on matters of Common interest. The Canberra Agreement "It affords me particular pleasure to refer to the continued close and happy relationships existing between the peoples of Australia and New Zealand, who. in the common peril of the war in the Pacific, have been brought together as never before," said His Excellency. "As a result of the discussions held last month in Canberra, in which my Government was represented by a delegation headed by my Prime Minister, there have been embodied in an agreement principles of permanent co-operation between the countries both for the present and for the post-war period." During the session the Government proposed to place before_ Parliament the question of the adoption of the Statute of Westminster, the enactment of which would bring Now Zealand into line with the other self-governing Dominions. The adoption of this measure Tould remove doubts in the eyes of foreign Powers regarding the sovereign status of New Zealand, and would at the same time have the practical effect of removing existing legal drafting and administrative difficulties both in New Zealand and in the United Kingdom. Preventing Inflation The Government was of the opinion that_ the welfare and progress of the Dominion were largely dependent upon the prevention of inflation and the safeguarding of the basic standards of living of the people, and was determined that the stabilisation of costs and prices would continue to occupy a foreMost place in its economic policy. "My advisers are devoting much attention to the problems involved in the rehabilitation of ex-servicemen and exservice women," said the Governor-Gen-era', "and is determined that every possible assistance will be given to them in the difficult task of re-establishing themselves in civil life. Considerable progress has been made in this direction.'' Proposals had been formulated which would ensure that Maori ex-ser-vicemen and ex-service women could participate fully in all the benefits under the rehabilitation schemes. The Government was pressing on with fill.possible expedition with an extended housing programme. Ihe decline in the Dominion dairy Production was causing the Government Much anxiety, and the Minister of Agriculture was devoting close attention, to the introduction of a comprehensive programme for increased farm production. " ■ The Licensing Laws ."The question of an annual holiday with pay for all workers has received lull examination, and a measure will be submitted to Parliament during its Present session," continued the Gover-nor-General. "My Government has tinder consideration a proposal for the Provision of a minimum home and family income, as set out in the principles upon which they were elected." It was the intention of the Government in the immediate future to set JP a Royal Commission to investigate lullv the operation of the licensing laws of the Dominion and to make recommendations with a view to bringthe laws into lino with the requirements of modern times.