PEACE PROBLEMS

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 66, Issue 69, 2 January 1946, Page 2

PEACE PROBLEMS

GOVERNOR-GENERAL’S MESSAGE

END OF MOMENTOUS YEAR (P.A.) AUCKLAND. December 31,

His Excellency Iho Governor-Cfi*n-cv.ml (Sir Cyril N<-wal I) lias issued the following: New Year message: “In a i'ow limns’ lime Ihe most momentous year in our civilisation will have come to an end. Since l spoke to you year ago triumphs in battle

have fallowed closely one -upon another, culminating in the final defeat of our enemies, and release irom the perils of war. ‘•Localise our spirit and determination have never faltered, it may be ditficult for some to realise fully bow serious were the dangers through which we have passed, and how near we. have been to defeat ami enslavement. It is fitting, therefore, that we should at this lime remember with prick? and gratitude Ihe debt which we all owe to the men and women of the fighting services and merchant navies of the Empire, and of our Al-

lies. Most of our men and women are now home again, but*there, are many still serving overseas who have yet, to be happily reunited with their families. Clearly the resettlement, within the community of all those who have so magnificently served their country and Empire, together with their readjustment to unaccustomed conditions, must be one of our main tasks. Let us be careful to give them not only the necessary material things but also, sympathetic understanding, and encourage them to use their experience and skill for the benefit of the community.

Problems to be Solved ‘‘We rejoice that our enemies who would have enslaved us and taken from us all that we prize most are vanquished. Although the war is endptf, many problems of its inevitable and painful aftermath have yet to be solved before, the true fruits of peace can be made available to all peoples of the world. We, in this much-favourecl land of abundance, have been spared the ravages of war. Our cities are undamaged, our fields are unscarred. There is therefore much that we can do to ease the sufferings in those countries where the war has left a frightful trail of devastation and famine.

“The difficulties and responsibilities which confront the statesmen and leaders of to-dav are both great and grave and one may wonder sometimes whether the cause for which we have willingly paid so high a price is not already in danger of being forgotten. .1 personally cannot agree with the wailings of the Jeremiahs. The path of progress will certainly not be smooth, but I am confident that Christian civilisation will advance if we all show ourselves worthy to survive.

“Throughout, the years of bitter warfare we have met unflinchingly situations so grave, and difficulties so prodigious, that the chances of success seemed almost impossible, and yet we succeeded. We triumphed by the help of God, and because of the justice of our cause. We achieved victory because the peoples of the United Nations toiled in harmony, and helped each other to overcome obstacles in face of a common danger. The difficulties which challenge the world to-day are also a common danger. If all the nations will remember the main reasons for our victory in war and approach the present problems with equal zeal, in a spirit of mutual confidence, unselfishness and tolerance, both national and international, we can be sure of victory in peace.

Message to Youth “For the younger generation I have a special message. It is for you, henceforth, to take lip the torch oi' progress in your country. You inherit the courage and devotion of the Godfearing pioneers in this land and that firmest foundation for stable progress—tradition. Now Zealand has won high esteem in many fields throughout the world during the last six years. You can say with pride and in all humility that your elders have earned a place of fame in history and will be remembered as a generation which played its part nobly in saving our civilisation.

“Let it be constantly remembered that you are heirs to a partnership in a Commonwealth of Nations and an Empire whose contribution to the wellbeing of mankind is second to none. In the darkest days of the war the British Empire stood alone, defending the freedom of the whole world, and still stands ns a unique example of what can be achieved hv unity of purpose amongst- free and independentpeoples scattered over the face of the globe. Let these thoughts inspire and guide you in the days of great adventure which lie ahead. Honour your fathers and your mothers, help your fellow-men, serve your King and country. You will then live the present- worthily with lasting happiness and face the future with confidence.

“To the aged and infirm, to the children, to all returned men and women of the services and to those still overseas to all the King’s loyal subjects in ihis beautiful Dominion, its islavnd territories, and Western Samoa, T take this opportunity, on behalf of Lady Nowall and myself, of wishing you all happiness in the coming year—the first year of peace. We thank you sincerely for many acts of kindness, courtesy and hospitality, which we have greatly appreciated and will long remember, and now, as the first light of the New Year approaches New Zealand and the British Empire, let us once again fervently thank Almighty God that we as a people and our way of life have been permitted to survive.”