GOODBYE TO "FLAK”

Flak, Volume 1, Issue 8, 25 June 1943, Page 1

GOODBYE TO "FLAK”

It is with regret that I take up my pen to write “Finis” to “FLAK,” and i little thought when I wrote the initial article in the first publication some three or four months ago, that the curtain would soon be rung down on our activities. I can assure you, however, that the decision to close down has been taken most reluctantly by those responsible for the publication, but in view of the drastic cuts in the personnel of the A.A. units commonsense is the deciding factor.

The success, both ' financial and otherwise, of a unit paper such as “FLAK,” depends largely on its circulation, which in turn is governed completely by the supply of sufficient and'suitable “copy” from units, so that to carry 'on in the light of present happenings would be exceedingly difficult and hazardous, and would probably result in a deterioration of the standard of the paper. This would indeed be a pity, and to avoid such a happening the present course has been decided on. The closing down of “FLAK” is just another of the series of set-backs and difficulties with which A.A. units have had to contend since the formation of the Brigade a little over a year ago. All these were overcome, and every unit was well on the way to attaining a high degree of efficiency and knowledge of the many A.A. problems when what we familiarly call the ’ “axe” fell, deny- ' ing us the fruits of our labours. However, despite our disappointment at not having had an opportunity to prove ourselves, we must take the broader view and be thankful for New Zealand’s sake.-that she has so far

been saved the consequences of a direct attack. ■ To come back to the point of this article, it will, I hope, be appreciated by all that the present decision to discontinue the publication of “FLAK” has been dictated by circumstances over which we have no control. It was thought better, so to speak, to die a sudden death than to linger on and peter out in senile decay. No blame is attachable to those who undertook the responsibility of the venture. In fact, to them and to those who have contributed copy, is due all praise, for to the nature and high standard of the articles published is due the success of “FLAK,” which, during its short existence, provided both amusement and interest to its readers. In conclusion it is desired to think units for their support of the paper and also those business people who have helped the paper by advertising' in its columns. Finally a word of thanks and praise is due to Bdr. H. R. L. Blanks, who undertook the editing and ■ general management of the paper, and who continued to carry on these duties most efficiently and conscientiously even after he was demob-

ilised —and so, readers, good-bye to “FLAK” and all that. E. CLAYTON GREENE, Lt.-Colonel N.Z.A., C.O. 22nd Lt. A.A. Regt.