ESSENTIALS IN WAR EFFORT

Southland Times, Issue 24165, 29 June 1940, Page 6

ESSENTIALS IN WAR EFFORT

Sacrifice And Hard Work

MINISTER’S APPEAL TO COUNTRY

A stirring appeal for harder work and a greater spirit of sacrifice was made by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) in the House of Representatives. xv r. “This statement conveys the financial side of the picture only,’ said the Minister at the end of his Financial Statement. “It is an important side, but not the most important, which is work and production; work for all—hard work, sustained work—to make or produce the commodities essential for our kindred overseas and for our people in the Dominion. In proportion to our population we can, I believe, make the greatest contribution to winning this war, but it can be made only by work. ‘"Hie spirit of "work on the farms, in the factories, on the waterfront and in public and other services is developing, as understanding of the issue grows. We are creating more goods and providing more efficient services than at any period in our history. There is still much to do. “We must keep our people employed on productive work and organize and use all possible resources of the Dominion; use them to help the motherland by sending her every ounce of produce she requires. Maximum exports and minimum imports are the best contributions we can make during the war years to assist the United Kingdom and carry our share of the common load.

“Every policy must Be subordinated to the war requirements, but peace will come —our soldiers will return—and we must prepare for them. In the meantime work and service are the test, and till the present struggle ends will remain the test. We must give all. “Saint Ignatius Loyola, who lived more than four centuries ago, sums up the spirit that should—nay must—animate all our men and women today if we are to come through this conflict victorious. The spirit is: To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest,

To labour and not ask for any reward. “My statement ends on that note. If we and our people can catch the spirit of Loyola, our actions will not only help us to save ourselves but enable us to contribute our share to the saving of the British Commonwealth, the other English-speaking countries, and the great democracies of Europe which are now crushed under the heel of the invading oppressor.”