Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1940. THE YEAR OF WAR.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 68, 31 December 1940, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1940. THE YEAR OF WAR.

As the war has influenced all the activities of the Dominion during the year now closing, it is natural that the retrospect induced by the occasion should be mainly concerned with the progress of the great struggle. The year has on its record much of woe and tribulation, but it has also much that should hearten us to faqe the days ahead with unflinching courage and unabated determination. On the debit side 1940 saw the painful breaking of the Anglo-French partnership, of which so much was expected. The sinister renewal of the understanding between the Axis Powers and Japan threatened an extension of hostilities, a threat that has not yet been removed. Events in Norway, Denmark,’ Belgium, Holland, Luxemburg and France arouse regretful memories. With the approach of the collapse of France came the entry of Italy on Germany’s side. In the forefront on the credit side is the increasing aid given by the United States in the fight for the freedom of democracy. Of cheerful import also has been the rallying of Free French, Czecho-Slo-vaks and Dutch. And more recently Britain and all lovers of freedom have found cause for deep satisfaction in the sweeping victory against the Italians in Libya, which, with the gallant resistance put up by the Greeks, may well mark the beginning of the end so far as Italy’s participation in the war is concerned. The air attacks on Britain, carried out with a venom that paid no regard to the rights of civilians, have caused some among national treasures that cannot be replaced. But the people are undismayed, and the spirit that sustains the nation under such trials will carry it to ultimate victory. Oh the sea losses of ships embarrass British commerce, but the measures Taken by the Royal Navy will assuredly, bear fruit. The end of the year finds Hitler fearful lest he wholly lose the initiative and tempted to make desperate efforts to recover it. Those arrayed against the totalitarian States and their ruthless assault upon free peoples have good reasonj as the year closes, to thank God and take courage^