"HELP OURSELVES”

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 5

"HELP OURSELVES”

NEW ZEALAND DEFENCE SERVICE FROM EVERYONE PRIME MINISTER’S MEWS (By Telegraph —rress Association) WELLINGTON, Tuesday “The task of strengthening New Zealand defences is not a boy’s job, but one in which we can all give assistance,” said the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. M. J. Savage, speaking at the State luncheon to-day in honour of the delegates to the Pacific defence conference. “There are so many jobs necessary if New Zealand became isolated—which is not impossible—and there are not many people who cannot serve in some way.” he added. “As a la>man I have always felt the best way in which we can help the British Commonwealth of Nations is to help ourselves, and if we have anything to spare after that, we can leave it to the manhood of New Zealand.” said Mr Savage. "The first thing is to be able to look after ourselves. It is not altogether a boy’s job. I would rather think it was a job for the manhood of New Zealand, and, perhaps, in some respects for the womanhood of New Zealand, to meet any disaster that came along.” Time for Action Now Mr Savage said there was so much to be done whatever disaster or emergency might come along, and for that reason every man up to 4 5 or even 50 years of age should embrace the opportunity of being ready to serve. “This is the time for calm and cool thinking and time for calm and cool action,” said Mr Savage. ‘‘lt is too late when the balloon goes up, to use the popular phrase, to think about what you are going to do. All ought to know what part they have to play in the defence of the system they and earlier generations have helped to build. I do not claim the present system is perfect, but perfection or the amendment of it is with us. and not with some individual. It seems to me the people as a whole should play their part.” Imminence of War Mr Savage, referring to the presence of delegates from the United Kingdom and Australia, said they had heard, no doubt, something about import control. However, there might be no argument about that. In a week or two it might be decided for them. The day might come sooner than they thought when they might nave to go to war. Replying on behalf of the United Kingdom delegation. Air-Marshal Sir Arthur Longmore said he had been impressed by the desire to co-operate to the fullest extent. lie was confident that the personal contact and friendships the delegates were now making would be all to the good. The final decision as to whether the conference had been a success or not must depend on the implementation of the measure t recommended. Co-operation with Australia Colonel Y. A. IT. Sturdee, who replied on behalf of the Australian delegation. in the absence of Vice-Admiral St Ragnar Colvin, said it was regretted that an Australian Minister of the Crown had been unable to visit. New Zealand for the conference. The Australian delegation was purely a service delegation. He thought, it safe to say the main object of the conference was to get. the maximum co-operation. “Co-operation between Australia and New Zealand is not new. having started before the \xar in 1914,” said Colonel Sturdee. “There was no real direct threat to the two countries, hut to-day the threat, is far greater and therefore a greater degree of cooperation is called for. The destinies of Australia and New Zealand are closely allied.” ENLISTED IN A BODY ROWING CLUB MEMBERS

(By Telegrsnn.— r>r Ps c x*sorlatton) WELLINGTON, Tuesday

A lead to sporting bodies throughout New Zealand was giveji to-night by the Star Boating Club, when about 40 members of the club paraded at the Drill Hall, Buckle Street, in a body and enlisted for service in the Territorial Forces. It is understood the men will be attached to B company of the Wellington Regiment, City of Wellington’s Own, and that they will probably constitute a complete platoon. Following an intensification the recruiting campaign approximately 200 men have enlisted in Wellington in less than two weeks. Of these, more than 100 were recruited last week and about 80 were medically examined tonight.

SUPPORT PLEDGED

WELLINGTON MANUFACTURERS

(By Telegraph.—Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Wednesday

The Wellington Manufacturers’ Association passed a resolution welcoming the indication given by the Prime Minister that immediate steps are to be taken by the Government to organise individuals and films for the defence of New Zealand and pledges the fullest .support and co-operation of the association.