NATIONAL EFFORT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20916, 22 September 1939, Page 9

NATIONAL EFFORT

NEW ZEALAND’S PART STIRRING CALL TO WORKERS EMPIRE’S GREATEST CRISIS (By Telegraph.—Special to Times) AUCKLAND, Friday “At the present time our minds are so largely occupied with thoughts of war that I do not propose to deal, as I usually do on these occasions, with farmers’ difficulties and prospects,” commented Mr H. E. Worsp, chairman of directors of the Auckland Farmers' Freezing Company, at the annual meeting today. “Today, our chief concern is in what way we in New Zealand can assist in the defeat of our en-emies. The British Empire is faced with the greatest crisis in her history and only by the exertion of unprecedented effort on the part of every one of us can catastrophe be averted. ‘“■During the period of the war the surplus of principal primary products over and above our own requirements is to be purchased by the New Zealand Government for sale to the British. Government at prices to be agreed upon by the two Governments. Britain will require every pound of meat, dairy produce and wool that New Zealand can produce; all methods that can be use-d to increase the production of these and other war necessities must be ardently pursued. A great responsibility rests on every person in New Zealand to ensure that no effort is spdred in assisting the Mother Country in her time of acute need. “•On farm, factory, wharf and in all other directions, there will be no room for the “slacker”—all work must be honourably and loyally carried on,” said Mr Worsp. “The farmers must be supplied with willing workers and there must be no laxity of effort at dairy factory, freezing works and wharf. The quickest turn-round must be given to overseas vessels. The shortage of ships, delays from the convoy system, dislocation of food supplies from neutral countries, make this imperative. Men Doing Their Job “'Great numbers of men in the British Army, Navy and Air Force are discharging their duty in defence of their kinsfolk at Home and throughout the Empire. Men and women are working day and night in the production of guns and ammunition and in ail other ways are ungrudgingly doing the jobs to which they are best suited. “Even if the sense of satisfaction in a job well done has lost some of its old-tims appeal, surely the present crisis ought to provide enough incentive to stir our sense of honour and patriotism sufficiently- to ensure that by greater effort we can show the Mother Country and the men in the fighting forces that we are worthy of the sacrifices they are making on our behalf. One of the best assets that any company can have is a loyal and efficient staff. “I am glad to say that in the company's executive officers and permanent staff, most of whom have been with the company for many years, we have men of the right calibre who are keen to help the company and serve the community to the very best of their ability,” concluded Mr Worsp.