SACRIFICES WILL BE NECESSARY

Southland Times, Issue 24129, 18 May 1940, Page 6

SACRIFICES WILL BE NECESSARY

“DUTY OF THOSE WHO REMAIN BEHIND” PRODUCTION MUST BE MAINTAINED (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 17. An assurancb that the Government realizes the significance of business difficulties intensified by the war and is losing no opportunity to lessen them and to ensure that industry and commerce shall function' with' the maximum efficiency possible under the stringent wartime economy, was given by the Minister of Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan)’ at a meeting called by the Wellington Chamber of Commerce today to further the appeal of the Sick, Wounded and Distress Fund. “That our armed forces and those of our Allies will gain an ultimate victory is our belief,” Mr Sullivan said, “but we who remain behind have a duty to perform. You, as business executives, need no reminding of the fact that production must be maintained. A soldier who leaves this country has a right to expect that we who remain will look after his interests. What the future holds for them we know not, but no matter how stern the tasks and how arduous the duties, every man of the New Zealand Expeditionary Force will face those duties and tasks with cheerfulness and with fortitude.

“The man who has enlisted to serve his Empire at this time deserves all the consideration we can give to him. His sacrifice can never be equalled, no matter how heavy the sacrifices we may have to make as the war develops. Whatever calls may be made on us, I ki. n no appeal will be more worthy of our . maximum effort than the appeal launched by the Red Cross Society and Order of St. John* Our men have gone forth to stem the tide of ruthless domination and brutal aggression. To us is given the task of showing we appreciate the sacrifice they are making. This appeal for £250,000 is one that commands our sympathy, that demands our wholehearted support,' that insists that we make sacrifices, if need be, to ensure the amount required shall be raised with a minimum of delay.”