MASS PRODUCTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 233, 2 October 1943, Page 5

MASS PRODUCTION

BRITISH ACHIEVEMENTS Recd. 7.30 p.m. Rugby, Sept. 30. “Considering Britain’s handicaps, what she has accomplished in mass production has been miraculous,” the United States war production chief, Mr. Donald Nelson, stated when reviewing his visit to Britain. He stressed the fact that he rad been greatly impressed by British production which, he said, was good even by the highest standards. The United States had supplied munitions equivalent to adding onethird to British production. Canadian production had been a remarkable achievement, particularly in shipbuilding, and the Canadian launchings at present were equal in tonnage to the British.

Mr. Nelson said that we no longer had any shortage of materials or manpower. What was needed now was to buckle to the job and get on with production. The essential factor at the moment was time. “We cannot have too much too soon,” he said. The next few months would be critical. His main impression after touring Britain and listening to the comments of the American forces was of the shortness of the time and the immensity of the effort necessary.

“We need superhuman jobs from workers and management in the next few month’s. We have our materials and facilities all in shape. Now we must act like a real fighting champion who redoubles his efforts for a kill when he sees his opponent groggy. “The great lesson which we have learned from recent battle experience is that the more material we have the more lives we save. There is safety in numbers in battle, whether air or military. The more who go out. the more who will come hack.” Mr. Nelson emphasised that. the present problem was to convert recent battle experience into production of the munitions demanded by the changing necessities of military operations. Particularly immense quantities of certain types of aircraft and landing cra’t and transport of all varieties were now urgently and immediately required.

Mr. Nelson added that the United States had profited greatly by British experience and help in its own munition production. Regarding the main material, Mr. Nelson declared that rubber wan no longer a problem in itself and adequate supplies of synthetic rubber were now in sight. The tin position was now in good shape, likewise the wool position. The latter was due partly to British cooperation and largely to the removal of large stocks from Australia to the United States for a central pool.—8.0.W.