HARD WORK

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21151, 28 June 1940, Page 9

HARD WORK

OUR CONTRIBUTION MOBILISING RESOURCES MINISTER’S PLEA FOR UNITY (By TelegT*pn.— special to Times) WELLINGTON, Thursday “The magnitude of the financial programme with which the Dominion is now faced must necessarily involve the co-ordination of the various national activities and generally the mobilisation of all our resources,” commented the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, in presenting the Budget tonight. “To this end the finance emergency regulations empower the Government to control the flow of capital and to direct financial resources generally from uneconomic purposes to investment in activities where expansion is urgently required. Authority is also taken for the Government, through the Reserve Bank, to acquire at current market prices, overseas securities held by New Zealand residents, in order that the whole of the Dominion’s financial resources may be made available in the national interests. The Government look for the fullest co-opera-tion and assistance from all concerned. The scene is changing so rapidly that only by the utmost goodwill on the part of each and every one will the machinery be enabled to function satisfactorily. “We are passing through perilous times, when the very existence of our Empire is being threatened as never before,” said Mr Nash. “It has been said that the darkest hour is just before the down, but we have confidence that the cause of truth and justice will ultimately prevail and that the democratic institutions of the world will survive the purging fire of the forces of oppression. Importance of Production “This Financial Statement omits special references to exports and imports, exchange control, and import selection, and other relative subjects which affect the economy and finance of the Dominion. Information on these matters will be found in the various tables of this Statement and in the reports presented to the House and to the country. Should further information be required it will be supplied if it is available. The Statement has dealt almost exclusively with war finance and its effects on our economy. “It conveys the financial side of the picture only—an important side —but not the most important which is work and production,” added Mr Nash, “work for all— hard work, sustained work—to make or produce the commodities essential for our kindred overseas and for our people in the Dominion. In proportion to our population we can, I believe, make the greatest contribution to winning this war, but it can be made only by work, “Still Much To Do” “The spirit of work on the farms, in the factories, on the waterfront and in public and other services is developing, as understanding of the issue grows. We are creating more goods and providing more efficient services than at any period in our history. There is still much to do. We must keep our people employed on productive work and organise and utilise all possible resources of the Dominion; utilise them to help the Motherland by sending her every ounce of products she requires. Maximum exports and minimum imports are the best contributions we can make during the war years to assist the United Kingdom and carry our share of the common load. “Every policy muat be subordinated to the war requirements, but peace will come—our soldiers will return —and we must prepare for them. In the meantime work and service are the test, and till the present struggle ends will remain the test. We must give all. “Saint Ignatius Loyola, who lived more than four centuries ago, sums up the spirit that should—nay must —animate all our men and women today if we are to come through this conflict victorious. “The spirit is—- “ ‘To give and not to count the cost, To fight and not to heed the wounds, To toil and not to seek for rest, To labour and not ask for any reward.’ “My statement ends on that note,” concluded Mr Nash. “If we and our people can catch the spirit of Loyola, our actions will not only help us to save ourselves but enable us to contribute our share to the saving of the British Commonwealth, the other English-speaking countries, and the great democracies of Europe which are now crushed under the heel of the invading oppressor.”