National Savings Pass Book

Pamela Robertson (nee Gorringe, born 1941) was given this savings book as a baby by her parents during the Second World War (1939-45). The booklet records the deposits of money given to her as birthday and Christmas presents between 1941 and 1954. She 'knew it was a special savings account' for the war effort'. She also knew it was 'always there as a backup' later in life.

National Savings

The National Savings Act was passed in October 1940 to encourage the habit of saving among New Zealanders, and to supplement taxation and war loans raised throughout the war. The New Zealand flag flies on the book's cover above the motto ‘Lend to defend the right to be free!’ Freedom is clearly linked to the ability to pay for it.

The Post Office Savings Bank administered the scheme. National Savings became a constant feature of everyday life during the war years, attracting small weekly investments from a wide cross-section of the public, including children. The scheme was advertised to the public as a way for everyone to make a contribution, no matter how small, and to encourage saving for the post-war period when goods would become more plentiful. Public support was generally very positive, with most New Zealanders willing to cut back or postpone spending on consumables, and to save a high percentage of their incomes. Some £40 million were invested in this way by 1946 (Baker 1965: 268). This helped the New Zealand government finance the Second World War from internal resources.

Reference: Baker, J.V.T. (1965). The New Zealand people at war: war economy. Wellington: Department of Internal Affairs.