AWAKE N.Z. CAMPAIGN

Te Awamutu Courier, Volume 64, Issue 4562, 20 April 1942, Page 4

AWAKE N.Z. CAMPAIGN

“OUR COUNTRY FIRST”

REPORT OF VISIT WITH PRIME MINISTER

The intense desire of New Zealanders generally for a greater war effort end the elimination of many inconsistencies, was exemplified when 70 delegates from towns in the Auckland Province met the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, on Monday, the 30th March. Mr H. D. Caro, Mayor of Hamilton, introduced the delertes. Accompanying the Prime were Squadron-Leader Carter, Controller of Munitions; Mr Jackson, Director of Production; and General Puttick, officer commanding the New Zealand Forces.

The Prime Minister stated that he had come to Hamilton because he was convinced that the Awake New Zealand Campaign was ind : cative of a genuine desire on the part of large numbers of responsible citizens for a tightening up of the conduct of war generally, and he was thoroughly in sympathy with the movement. He had brought his advisers with him because he felt that it was necessary that the delegation should receive from them certa'n details concerning the war effort.

After the Prime Minister and his associates had addressed the meeting, the delegation put their case forward, and drew attention to many things, which in their opinion, were standing in the way of a complete war effort. A general discussion took place, and answers were given to a number of questions raised, among which were:— 1. Gelignite: It was stated by the Prime Minister’s Officers that all gelignite was required by the Army. Members of the delegation were able, however, to point out that gelignite was still available for ordinary purposes on receipt of a police permit. The Prime Minister thanked the delegation for this information and agreed that the position should be remedied immediately.

2. Broadcasting: The need for more vigorous handling of the broadcasting system was stressed. Our propaganda should be active, and one that would produce the fighting spirit. The Prime Minister agreed entirely and stated that steps were being taken to this end.

3. Shotguns: It was pointed out that there would be a great deal of shooting of birds over Easter. While ammunition was short, the Awake New Zealand Campaign considered that this ammunition should not be made available to clubs and sportsmen, but should be reserved for the Japs. The necessity for impressing all shotguns was also stressed. The Prime Minister agreed with this and said that the necessary action would be taken.

4. Wire: It was pointed out to the Prime Minister that although wire was required by the Army, large quantities were still being used for other than Army purposes. An actual example was given of 70 tons lying idle in Rotorua district. The Prime Minister took particulars of this, which he said was reliable information. 5. Local Defence Councils: The Awake New Zealand Campaign recommended the appointing of local Defence Councils. These councils would be responsible for the manufacture of ammunitions and the control of the local war effort, subject of course, to the Government and Army requirements. The Director of Production is considering the scheme. Speakers asked the Prime Minister to take all the necessary steps to totally mobilise the resources of New Zealand. Immediate action was required in this connection. No considerations of any sort should be allowed to hinder the war effort. The Prime Minister was assured of the support of the delegates and their people in any measures which were brought forward.

The Prime Minister thanked the members for their enthusiasm and for the spirit animating the movement. He agreed with the delegation that the red tape would have to go. Every citizen should be carrying a card that would certify that the bearer was doing some war work. An inspection of weapons and equipment made in Hamilton and surrounding districts, was made by the Prime Minister’s party, and amazement was expressed at the latent engineering resources of the district, and it was stated by Mr Jackson that he would very soon have some work for this locality to undertake.