PATRIOTIC APPEAL

Waikato Times, Volume 130, Issue 21664, 26 February 1942, Page 4

PATRIOTIC APPEAL

DEFENCE OF DOMINION MANPOWERS AND MONEY KEEPING HERITAGE INTACT [By Major T. 11. Melrose. Officer Commanding- the Hamilton Home Guard.] 1 have endeavoured to impress upon the citizens of Hamilton the seriousness of the war position in New Zealand and the urgent necessity for immediate utilisation of our manpower and of our own resources. To all citizens of Hamilton I issue a clarion call to duty and service, and an urgent appeal to join our civilian combatant army, the Home Guard. The Mayor of Hamilton associates himself 100 per cent with my appeal and I am happy to be associated with him in publishing his letter to me in confirmation thereof. To the men of Hamilton I say, We want you and every able-bodied man in Hamilton. Let nothing deter you from doing that which is the paramount duty of every citizen, to defend your town and your country, and to defend your wives and daughters from the violation and rapine that will be their portion if the enemy enters our citadel. Time May Not Be Long The issue is in our own hands and the time at our disposal may not be long. The men overseas depend upon us to keep their heritage intact and we must not fall down on our job. Put Hamilton on the map and the rest of New Zealand will follow.

To the women of Hamilton I say, Join our Home Guard as auxiliary members. We will teach you signalling, first aid, transport, communication and commissiariat work. You can do all these jobs and release the men to fight. We wili place a ring of steel around Hamilton and you shall be its centre.

To the wealthy men of Hamilton I say, Give of your wealth freely and without stint. By doing so you insure yourself against possible disaster and enable us to arm and equip ourselves to meet the foe. The measure of your giving will be the measure of your insurance. Wherewithal to Fight

To all citizens of Hamilton I again say, Answer the call and we will provide the wherewithal to fight. Already our foundries are engaged producing war materials and munitions. A research committee has been formed to further our projects and to stimulate production. A suggestions committee will be set up to examine and report upon all suggestions submitted to it relative to the arming and the defence of the Dominion. A finance committee will also be set up strictly to administer and account for all funds which are placed at its disposal. An Advance New Zealand committee will be set up to make liason with every city and district in New Zealand for the purpose of promoting everywhere the suggestions contained in my articles, and ensuring that money is forthcoming to provide weapons of every description. Mr Caro’s Letter “Further to our conversation of February 24,” writes Mr Caro to Major Melrose. “I wish to inform you that I am 100 per cent, behind you in your effort to make our people realise the seriousness of the positjpn. I also am of the opinion that the E.F.S. organisation and the Homs Guard have the same ultimate view, that is, for the defence of our town and New Zealand. In my opinion, what is needed is inspired leadership and visible action. “You and I are aware that in Hamilton there are capable and clever engineers, who are willing and able to make weapons of war. We are also aware that red tape and regulations are holding in bondage men and women who are prepared to give of their all to help New Zealand in her hour of peril. “The question that arises and needs instant solution, is, What is to be done? The time is short, the enemy is at our gates and action, not words., is essential. Must Be Prepared

“In my humble opinion the time has arrived when the people must know how prepared we are in this country to repel an invader. Why the secrecy? It is the people’s right. Surely the experience gained at both Singapore and Hongkong should be a lesson to our Government. I am certain that if our people were told the true position every man, woman, boy and girl capable would immediately be prepared to give their all for the defence of this country. “I wish to associate myself with you in your endeavours to awaken the people to the seriousness of the position. New- Zealand is tough and should let the world know that she will fight to the finish, and her war cry should be ‘NO SURRENDER!’ ”