FORMIDABLE TASKS AHEAD

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21850, 31 December 1940, Page 9

FORMIDABLE TASKS AHEAD

Great National Effort • Necessary Democracy At Stake Mr Fraser’s New Year Message By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, December 30. The Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, has issued the following New Year message:— “There is little I need say to remind the people of New Zealand of the series of events which have marked 1940. The grim progress of the war and its effects throughout the world are familiar to all. Great perils have been surmounted by the British people. At no time have they been disheartened or dismayed. At no time have they faltered in their determination to stand by their ideals. The peoples of the British Commonwealth are not prepared to accept the so-called new order of tyrannical dictatorship which the aggressor nations are attempting to impose upon the world. In the desperate and powerful attack that has been launched upon democratic civilisation some countries have fallen. For the time being their people are down, but they are not out so long as they can hope for deliverance. Their whole future is dependent on our victory. The British Commonwealth is now the only world Power actively defending those hard won liberties and institutions built up over a thousand years and upon which modern civilisation is based. Although our courageous and determined ally, Greece, is waging a victorious campaign crowned by outstanding successes against the Italian aggressor, while the United States of America is rendering magnificent assistance by placing her vast material resources with unprecedented generosity at our service, the people of Britain are carrying on calmly and confidently building up their defence, increasing their army and striking back at the enemy in ever-increasing force on land, sea and air. In the fast few weeks our forces in Egypt have shown their mettle and their victory is a splendid tribute to the skilful planning, dash and courage which characterises the British Army of 1941.

An Inspiring Example “Throughout the year the men and women of the United Kingdom have covered themselves with honour. In the factory, in the field, in the mines, in the shipbuilding yards and at the docks they have doggedly stuck to their jobs in the face of danger and death. In towns and cities scarred by constant raids they are carrying on. Their courageous example is beyond praise and Is an inspiration to the people of the whole world. Here in New Zealand we can best show our heartfelt admiration and gratitude in deeds rather than words by organising our own war service, as we are doing, in accordance with our full strength and our total resources. We are assisting the whole Commonwealth effort and it is important to remember always that it is not Britain that Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy are fighting but the British Commonwealth of Nations and its peoples, including ourselves, everyone of us in New Zealand.

“During the year much has been done in New Zealand. Men have been trained and sent overseas to the theatres of war. Our soldiers, sailors and airmen have worthily upheld the best traditions of our armed services. At home we have organised our defence forces on a firmer basis than ever before. Territorials, National Military Reserve, Home Guard, Emergency Precautions Scheme, Women’s War Service Auxiliary, all these have received active support and are performing excellent work. The national, provincial and local patriotic fund organisations have been most creditably active and successful in receiving the full confidence and support of the public. As a result the lives of our men overseas have been brightened. On the civil side farmers and workers, manufacturers, indeed, those engaged generally in th? production and distribution of our commodities, have met the extraordinary needs of the war conditions in a most satisfactory manner. More goods are being produced and more food and raw materials are being made available to Britain. lam proud to say that no request which Britain has made to us has failed to meet with an immediate and favourable response. We would gladly do more if we could. Tremendous Effort Necessary “While much has been done, most formidable tasks still lie ahead of us and we must make 1941 a year of tremendous national effort. There is need for still greater effort, for hard 3? work and for still greater efficiency. Our shipping losses present formidable difficulties which can only be met and successfully overcome by the united efforts of all concerned, freezing companies, cool store workers, transport workers, shipping companies, seamen and waterside workers. Above all there is the need for unity. I would like to appeal once again to every man and woman to co-operate in the fullest possible way with the Government in the prosecution of the war. To waste time and energy in petty quarrels while the nation is involved in a life and death struggle is shameful and unworthy of a democratic people. This is no time for emphasising political differences. All our combined energies must be concentrated on one object alone, the attainment of victory. The burdens of war are already immense. The estimated cost in money this financial year is £37,500.000. Next year the sum will be increased. We can only meet this huge expenditure now and ultimately by our own efforts, from our own sources of real wealth. We have the resources. Let us develop them to the full, even at the same time at the cost of consuming less ourselves. Sacrifices Required

“Fortunately our standards of .icing are among the highest in the wor’d, and there are great numbers of our people who can afford temoorarily to make the individual sacrifices which are and will be inevitably required. This does not mean that the social advances made in recent years will be lost. On the contrary, we are fighting for the maintenance of our high social and economic standards as well as for political freedom and the right as a nation to order our own lives as we ourselves think fit, which ’S the very essence of liberty. These are principles worth defending and heir full restoration when the war is ovar is the highest duty devolving upon the Government and the people alike. Those of us who remain at home must see to it that full preparation is made to look after til the than who return from overseas, and to mak l certain that the provision made is full and generous. As Prime Minister I would like to take this opportunity of assuring the soldiers, sailors and airmen of the Government’s determination to do everything possible to assure their successful return to civil life and, in addition, to assist and support all those who, because of the effects of war, may be unable to take their places again in the civilian ranks. The future of New Zealand depends upon their efforts and those of all the armed forces in securing a Britisn victory. Without that victory there could be no return to the ways of social progress and the high level of

prosperity which we have enjoyed. We realise our debt and we will honour it to the utmost of our capacity. “To our men overseas, in the navy, the air force and mercantile marine, the nurses and all other war workers, and to all of you in New Zealand, I extend cordial greetings and every wish for happiness and good fortune in the New Year.”