CALL TO DEEDS

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 87, 29 August 1941, Page 2

CALL TO DEEDS

New Zealand’s Part In War

MENACE REMAINS

Make Most Of Respite, Says Acting-Prime Minister

“Deeds alone will suffice to prove the sincerity of our pledges of support, and now is the time for every man and woman in New Zealand to give of - his or her best," \ said the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, in an address last night. > Mr. Nash discussed the situation facing the Empire after nearly two years of war, and some of the issues which had to be clearly understood if all hearts and minds were to be directed with the singleness of purpose that would bring triumph to the just cause.

The issues today were no different from those when the Empire took up arms in September, 1939, Mr. Nash said. To have stood by two years ago and watched the people whose national existence and liberty Britain had guaranteed be ruthlessly reduced to slavery would have been fatal not only to ourselves but to civilization as we enjoyed and understood it. Admittedly none of the democracies had been prepared, and there had been fatal lack of unity among them. The enemy had neither of these disadvantages and little wonder could be caused that country after country had been crushed and terrorized.

Unconquered Britain.

“But there is one thing Hitler has failed to do —conquer the people of Britain,” he said? “The Britain of today is vastly different from the vulnerable Britain of June, 1940, and as every month goes by, the chances of invasion become less and the prospects

of victory brighter.”

The people of Russia, fighting with magnificent bravery and unexampled sacrifices had for two months withstood the full weight of the whole Nazi war machine, he continued. The third German offensive was at its freight, but next month the snows would fall. It was too early yet to say or guess what the outcome might bo, but it was obvious that the British people and their allies had gained still further precious time to train their forces and strengthen defences and increase vital war production. The vast industrial effort of the United States was gaining momentum every day. “It is for all of us to realize what this respite means,” the Minister added, “and to make the utmost of the time now given to us. This applies to the people of New Zealand as much as it does to those of any other belligerent. The easing of the strain on the British Isles and on the Middle East must not lull anyone into a sense of false security. The menace remains. Sooner or later the attack will come, and the lesson every country has learned at such a bitter price is to be prepared for anything and everything. “As the months have passed, the area of conflict has spread, and it seems inevitable that its bounds will extend still further. Whether it be in Europe, in Africa, in Asia or here in the Pacific, we in New Zealand must b(? ready to protect ourselves and to maintain the forces we have sent to the theatres of war overseas.” . The men and women o’ New Zealand had done remarkable things in the last two years, Mr. Nash said. Food and raw materials for Britain and for our armed forces were being produced in a manner exceeding all records and the manufacturing industries were achieving amazing results. Dominion’s Preparations. “To meet the threat of the spread of the war every effort is being mad? to strengthen the defences of New Zealand,” he said. “I cannot for security reasons tell you what I would like you to know, of the manner in which the coast defences have been strengthened since the outbreak of war, of the anti-aircraft units and many other guards and coast-watchers, but I can assure you that, with the reorganization of the territorial system and the Home Guard, with the steadily increasing flow of arms, munitions and aeroplanes, and with additional naval units, these islands are becoming more and more difficult for any enemy, to attack.”

The Minister concluded by expressing the hope that in this grave and perilous hour citizens would unite on Sunday, September 7, as the King had requested, in quiet meditation and in a prayer that God would defend the right and that the blessings of peace throughout the world would not be

long delayed.