ROYAL GREETING TO THE FORCES.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 307, 27 December 1915, Page 5

ROYAL GREETING TO THE FORCES.

A TRUST THAT IS ABSOLUTE. GOAL DRAWING NEARER INTO SIGHT. WELLINGTON, December 26. His Excellency the Governor has received the following message, which His Majesty the King commanded should be published in the Orders, and read at the head of all parades on Christmas Day:— Another Christinas finds all the resources of the Empire still engaged in war, and I desire to convey on my behalf, and on behalf of the Queen, a heartfelt Christmas greeting, and oar good wishes for the New Year, to all who, on sea and land, are upholding the honour of the British name. In the officers and men of my Navy, on whom the security of the Empire depends, I repose, in common with all my subjects, a trust that is absolute. On the officers and men of my armies, whether now in France, in the East, or in other fields, I rely with an equal faith, confident that their devotion, their valour, and their self-sacrifice will, under God's guidance, lead to victory and an honourable peace. There are many of their comrades now, alas! in hospital, and to these brave men, also, I desire, with the Queen, to express our deep gratitude and our earnest prayers for their recovery. « ' Officers and men of the Navy and of the Army : Another year la drawing to a close, as it began, in toil, bloodshed," and suffering, bnt I rejoice to hnow that the goal to which you are striving draws nearer into sight. May God bless yon and all your undertakings. (Signed) GEORGE R.I.