AWAKE!

Southland Times, Issue 24153, 15 June 1940, Page 19

AWAKE!

To The Editor Sir, —Many weeks ago Major-General Freyberg addressed a pathetic appeal to this country. In it he said . . . “Meanwhile those of you who are still enjoying your beautiful country and its liberty cannot let so small a force as this fight the battles which will decide your future destiny. I ask all who are young and fit . enough to bear their share to join us without,delay. We look to you. We shall not look in vain ...” We have been at war nine months. We know what is going on in France. If the weary soldiers cannot get relief, things we do not care to contemplate may happen. Parliament has not yet got down to brass tacks in spite of three weeks’ talk. Every thinking man and woman must be aware of the need for speedy action. If France breaks the whole weight of the combined German and Italian attack will fall on Britain. America is only now stirring in her sleep. She is no more ready than we, in our small way, are ready. Should this country require immediate and urgent help it will be no good crying to America—other than to its fleet perhaps. It is patent to every one of us who isn’t stupid, complacent, smug, or “cuckoo” from political bias that there is only one way out of our difficulties. And that is to rely on ourselves—to send to France and Britain every man we can spare, every mouthful of food we can produce. In Invercargill we have a rifle range, Garrison Hall and so on. Why are we not using these facilities to the full? I myself would gladly give up every week-end—Saturday and Sunday—if through it I could be made more efficient to serve my country in an emergency. Every man who is fit enough, regardless of age, should be given training—if only how to shoot with rifle and machine-gun. There seems to be a dreadful and appalling apathy and inertia about. People do not seem to have the faintest realization of the agony France is now undergoing, or of the threat to our life should she be overcome. How can we go on as we are doing in the face of all this? How can we tolerate the frivolous spirit of irresponsibility shown in Parliament during these last weeks, weeks during which thousands of defenceless men, women and children have been ruthlessly and cruelly butchered? Have we no imagination? No sense of realism? The sands are running out. Every minute is precious. What use are we making of them? The Germans are in Paris, sacred heart of stricken France. Our troops may be in action any day now. What of their reinforcements? Come on New Zealand! Where are your splendid traditions? Have you forgotten the glorious name of Anzac? Rouse yourself, shake yourself out of your sleep. Rise, and show the enemy on the field of battle what it means to be a New Zealander. Ours is a young country, a country still fresh and sweet with the mists and dews of unspoilt nature. In our forests, in our mountains, on our plains, in our young cities we breed virile men, men filled with the clear spirit of youth. Give them the lead, give them the call, and they will surely follow.—Yours, etc., HAMLET JONES. June 14, 1940.