DEBT OF GRATITUDE

Waikato Times, Volume 195, Issue 22460, 22 September 1944, Page 2

DEBT OF GRATITUDE

PEOPLE’S OPPORTUNITY HASTEN DAY OF VICTORY LOAN “BACKS THE ATTACK” “In all matters national, the Wai-kato-King Country area has been pre-eminent, both in times of peace and war, in shaping the destinies of this Dominion,” writes Mr J. P. Hanratty, Chief Postmaster at Hamilton, and a member of the war loan committee. “It is fitting, therefore, that today, heralding as it does the dawn of victory in Europe, this rich and prosperous district should demonstrate that it intends to play its part m completing what it is hoped will be a lasting peace. “Never in our history has the Empire faced such trials as those which have upended our modes of living during the last five years. Our great kinsfolk of the Motherland have displayed a courage and steadfastness which the world acknowledges as the most magnificent manifestation of courage and endurance ever witnessed. Our kith and kin in far av.-ay England, bombed, starved, homeless, sleepless and overworked, yet displaying a fortitude which will never dim, have paid in life, property and money, for world security. What Empire Stands For

“True, we have helped magnificently, and rightly so. The assistance rendered in this respect has also been an inspiration to the world and has furnished a wonderful example of all that the Commonwealth of the British Empire stands for. In playing our part our fathers, husbands, sons and daughters have brought undying fame to this great Dominion. The deeds of our Army, Navy, Air Force, medical and nursing services, Merchant Navy, and women’s auxiliaries have indeed emblazoned the scroll of those who fought before them.

“This, however, Is no time for complacency. Japan has still to be beaten; Germany is staggering, and it is up to us all to back the attack and help deliver the punch that will make our enemies fall and stay down. After that we must still fight on to rehabilitate our own men and women. Money is required to complete the job, and it is through that medium that you and I can put power in the “punch” that our generals are poised to strike. So then, let us finish the job, hasten to victory and bring back our dear ones to their sunny homeland. We will require to see that :his land is worthy of them. That we recognise what we owe to our fighting services for the security they have so courageously given us I have no doubt. Let us express our grateful thanks to them by seeing that their wants in munitions, clothing, food, wages and final rehabilitation will not suffer. Opportunity for Gratitude

“The Victory Loan is our opportunity to show the gratitude which they expect from us through their superlative courage, devotion and loyalty. “I commend the loan to each and everyone as the only means of adequately showing our appreciation of the efforts and traditions built by the deeds, valour and manliness of our superb fighting services. I fully recognise that some of you have contributed dearly already, but if we all do our part now and support the loan it will be said that the home front has done its job faithfully and well. As previously mentioned, there is much to be done and by investing in the loan you are helping to use our surplus spending power to the very best advantage. “I earnestly make this appeal for your support, and I cannot over emphasise that you are assured of your money’s return on the due date. The great resources of this wonderful country are your security. I repeat, you are lending, not giving. I now leave the matter in your hands, confident that you will enhance and retrieve the pre-eminent position that this ricn area should undoubtedly occupy. “Waikato, for King and Country— Bock the Attack!” £15,000,000 EXCEEDED WELLINGTON, Thursday The amount subscribed to the Victory Loan today was £730,356, making the total to date £15,282,174. Objective percentages obtained to date are as follows:—Southland district, 58 per cent; Auckland, 55; Otago, 45; Taranalu and Marlborough, 44; Gisborne-East Coast, 41; North Otago and Wanganui, 37; Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay, 35; Northland, 34; Wellington and Nelson, 33; Wailcato-Kmg Country, Wairarapa, South Canterbury and Canterbury, 29; Buller, 28; Westland, 27; Thames-Bay of Plenty, 26. WORKERS’ CAMPAIGN (By Telegraph.—Press Association) WELLINGTON, Thursday. In an address the Minister of National Service, Mr McLagan, spoke as president of the New Zealand Federation of Labour. This organisation, he said, had set itself a target of £1,900,000. The response had already been remarkable and there was every prospect of that figure being reached within the Allotted time. Mr McLagan mentioned the offer of a prize by. one firm, which divided its staff into four and was giving a prize to the section showing the best results. The total raised amounted to £lO a head. Another Wellington firm nominated £IOOO as the objective, but its 70 or 80 employees had already subscribed £1250, and one member of the staff, a returned soldier, had invested the whole of his deferred pay, amounting to £2OO.

REHABILITATION LEAGUE’S AID

“That the Rehabilitation Civic League will not call any public meetings during the loan campaign and will do all in its power to help,” was a resolution passed at a meeting of the board of directors of the league at Hamilton last night.