Southland's Effort

Southland Times, Issue 25704, 13 July 1943, Page 4

Southland's Effort

SOUTHLAND’S record in the Third Liberty Loan campaign will be noted with satisfaction throughout the province. Last night the total contribution was £1,501,096 —£206,096 in excess of the official quota. The province stood fourth in the list of districts that succeeded in passing beyond the target, and there is a good chance that when the final figures are announced its position will be still higher. This result could not have been achieved without the willing co-operation of the people. There was evidence of a realistic spirit, a sense of personal obligation that pervaded every part of the community. The old artificial divisions ceased to have any influence. And this attitude, noticeable in every part of the Dominion, was the symptom of a unity that goes deeper than politics. It was doubly impressive because it came at a time when the favourable turn of events overseas might easily have created psychological difficulties. If things are going well there is a temptation to feel that the major effort is completed. The people of New Zealand accepted the harder view—that new efforts must be made if the promise of victory is to be brought to fulfilment. Southland’s response came from the whole community. Nevertheless, it could not have moved so steadily towards the target if the campaign had had any weakness of organization. The Third Liberty Loan Committee did excellent work. It was democratic in composition and outlook, and its activities showed that the experience gained in other campaigns had been studied to advantage. But something more than efficiency was needed; and it was this something extra—a boundless enthusiasm —that enabled the members to obtain such good results.

With .the assistance of an indefatigable district organizer—Mr W. G. Nield—they worked strenuously to make the campaign an outstanding venture in democratic finance. The Third Liberty Loan was a national effort towards which Southland has made a worthy contribution.