PRIME MINISTER GIVES WARNING

Southland Times, Issue 24361, 15 February 1941, Page 8

PRIME MINISTER GIVES WARNING

Possible Extension Of Hostilities (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, February 14. A warning that greater sacrifices for all were inevitable was given by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser. Referring, in an interview, to some remarks he made at the opening of the new school at Halcombe the previous day, Mr Fraser said that he had pointed out at Halcombe the imminent dangers apparent to all. His remarks were an indication as to the elements of the situation to be faced, perhaps in the near future, if the war storm grew in intensity. “The sense of some of my remarks at Halcombe, abbreviated as they were in the report I saw, has not been adequately conveyed to the public. I ! pointed out the imminent dangers apparent to all. I pointed out that greater sacrifices, to be shared by all, were inevitable. I indicated that, because of the further possible extension of hostilities, supplies of commodities such as wearing apparel might be scarcer and that economies in this respect, not previously observed, might have to be practised. I said that, because of a possible increase in the cost of certain commodities, a reduction in real wages I and incomes generally of all sections of the people might have to be faced and extended hours of labour might be required in essential industries in an endeavour to achieve our maximum war effort and, second, to maintain as far as possible that standard of living and | social conditions which we have at- | tained. I further indicated the fact that it appeared that all-round sacrifices in many directions from everybody were inevitable in the intensified danger period which appeared to be approaching, and that faith in the triumph and righteousness over evil instilled in the ! family circle, in the school, in the SunI day school and in the churches would I enable the people of New Zealand to face up to the situation and its possibilities like true men and women. I “My remarks were an indication as | to the elements of the situation to be | faced, perhaps in the near future if the war storm grows in intensity. I repeat now that it is essential that all should help to the utmost in our war effort and all sections and all individuals must be prepared to join in the common sacrifice, according to their capacities, if New Zealand is to survive as an integral, self-governing unit of the British Commonwealth. "My remarks must not be misrepresented as an indication of any desire or intention to lower deliberately the standard of living or general conditions of our people,” said Mr Fraser. “On the contrary, New Zealand is fighting for the democratic system which has made our high standards possible, and any temporary war-time sacrifices will be for the purpose of defending our standard of life and our democratic system so that what has been achieved can be retained, and still further progress made when, with New Zealand’s help, the terrors and menace of Nazism, Fascism and their allies are hurled back and finally overthrown.”