MANPOWER POSITION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 207, 2 September 1943, Page 3

MANPOWER POSITION

“DOMINION OVER-COMMITTED” SAYS MR. HOLLAND

(Special) Christchurch, Sept. 1 “Unquestionably we are over-com-mitted both militarily and industrially, and our manpower resources have been drained beyond all reason,” said the Leader of the National Party, Mr. S G. Holland, in opening his campaign last night. “It is utterly impossible on our population to maintain two combat divisions overseas, the equivalent of two more divisions in the Air Force and Navy, and about another division on home defence, also to vastly increase our production from both farm and factory.”

Mr. Holland stated that after such long service men on furlough should be given the option of voluntarily returning to the division or returning to civil employment. There were plenty oi fit men in New Zealand who have seen no service who could replace them. In his opinion men with thre? children should not be sent overseas. The London Times had only recently stated that New Zealand’s contribution was out of all proportion to its population and resources. Mr. Holland's assertion that ’no man should be asked to go twice until everyone has been once” was loudly cheered.

Emphasising that he had consistently advocated the dropping 01 part v politics so that the country could get or. with the war, Mr. Holland said the National Party, if elected, would endeavour to form a truly national nonparty government of the best men regardless of party. There would be only three simple conditions—a full war effort in every field, no contentious legislation and no outside domination. The fighting men had, shown what unity could do and the country should follow their example. The first consideration was the efficient prosecv.tion of the war.